Industries Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said that a Handloom Cluster Project worth Rs 9 crore has been sent for approval to the Government of India, which would give a fillip to handloom and handicraft activities in the State. Minister said it in the meeting of the Board of Directors of Himachal Pradesh State Handloom and Handicraft Corporation.

While reviewing the progress of the Corporation, Agnihotri said that the Corporation till 25th of this month has registered a sale of Rs 6 crore, which is almost double than Rs 3.08 crore registered during the month May, 2013. He said that one Rs 60 lakh Project of Silk for Ghumarwin-Bilaspur area has also been sent of approval to the Government of India. He said that project was likely to be sanctioned soon.

Agnihotri said that six exhibitions sponsored by the Development Commissioner (Handicraft) Government of India, would be organized at Jaipur, Udaipur, Hissar, Varanasi and Agra. He said this would provide an apt platform for showcasing handicraft and handloom products outside the State.

Industries Minister said that One Gandhi Shilp Bazar has also sanctioned for Una by the Centre Government. He said that the Shilp Bazar would be organized during the month of November this year. Over 100 weavers and artisan for all over the country would participate in this Bazar, he added.

Dr Lalit Mohan Managing Director Himachal Pradesh State Handloom and Handicraft Corporation conducted the proceedings of the meeting and detailed various activities of the Corporation.

Non-official Directors of the BOD also gave their valuable suggestions. Dr P.C.Kapoor Additional Chief Secretary, Industries, Mohan Chauhan, Director Industries, Rajesh Sharma Special Secretary Finance were present in the meeting among others.