Lok Sabha Question No. 1426 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-31
Subject: USTTAD Scheme in Andhra Pradesh
Ministry: MINORITY AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Bastipati Nagaraju, Shri Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1426

ANSWERED ON 31.07.2024

## USTTAD SCHEME IN ANDHRA PRADESH

## 1426. SHRI MAGUNTA SREENIVASULU REDDY:

## SHRI BASTIPATI NAGARAJU:

Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) the details regarding the craft clusters identified in Andhra Pradesh under the USTTAD scheme, including the specific traditional arts and crafts documented and promoted in each cluster

(b) the details regarding the number of minority youth trained under the USTTAD scheme in Andhra Pradesh during the last five years, district-wise

- (c)  the  details  regarding  the  total  number  of  project  proposals  received  from  Andhra Pradesh for development under the USTTAD scheme, the number approved and the status of their implementation at present
- (d) the details regarding the funds allocated and utilised under the USTTAD scheme for projects in Andhra Pradesh during the last five years, year-wise: and

(e) the details of initiatives undertaken by the Government to enhance market linkages for traditional arts and crafts in Andhra Pradesh under the USTTAD scheme during the last five years?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS

(SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a) to  (d):  USTTAD  scheme  has  been  converged  as  a  component  into  an  integrated scheme  called  'Pradhan  Mantri  Virasat  Ka  Samvardhan'  (PM  VIKAS)  for  minority communities focusing on skill development; entrepreneurship and leadership of minority women; and education  support  for  school  dropouts.  USTTAD  scheme  was  launched  in 2015 for targeted capacity building and upgrading traditional skills of master craftsmen/ artisans.  Under  the  Scheme,  the  Ministry  of  Minority  Affairs  onboarded  Knowledge Partners  of  repute  like  National  Institute  of  Design  and  National  Institute  of  Fashion Technology  to  conduct design  and  development  workshops  for  identified  traditional  art and  craft  clusters.  In  Andhra  Pradesh,  two  such  clusters  were  covered  under  the  said scheme, namely:

- i. Wooden Cutlery - Udayagiri, Andhra Pradesh
- ii. Leather Puppetry - Nimmalakunta, Andhra Pradesh

Project  proposals  from  04  Project  Implementation  Agencies  (PIAs)  were  approved  and allocated 360 beneficiaries from Andhra Pradesh under the USTTAD scheme in clusters like Zari Zardozi, Clay Sculptor and others. (e) The Ministry had earlier organised 41 Hunar Haats whereby opportunity was given to artisans/crafts people and culinary experts from across the country to showcase and market their handicrafts and indigenous products. These programmes generated more than 8 lakh employment  and  employment  opportunities  for  artisans,  craft  persons  and  associated persons.  Presently through Lok Samvardhan Parv being organized by the Ministry at Dilli Haat, INA (New Delhi), from 16 th to 31 st July, 2024, in which participating artisans from all  over  India,  including  Andhra Pradesh,  were assisted to  scale  up their operations and businesses.

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