Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar Launches ‘Shilp Samagam Mela 2024’ and Unveils ‘TULIP’ Platform

The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment inaugurated the ‘Shilp Samagam Mela 2024’ with a grand opening at Dilli Haat, New Delhi. Organized by key Corporations under the Ministry, including the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCDFC), and National Safai Karmachari Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC).

Objective

• The mela aims to empower marginalized artisans by providing a marketplace for their crafts and products, encouraging economic inclusion and cultural promotion.

Opening Ceremony

• Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar (Social Justice and Empowerment) declared the fair open.
• Union Minister of State (SJE) Shri B.L. Verma, along with other senior ministry officials, attended the inauguration.

Launch of ‘TULIP’

• Full Form: Traditional Artisans’ Upliftment Livelihood Programme.
• Purpose: To support artisans from marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), sanitation workers, and persons with disabilities.
• Digital Platform: TULIP provides an e-platform for these artisans to sell their products globally, leveraging e-marketing for broader exposure.

Digital Initiatives Mentioned

PM-SURAKSHA Portal 

• A digital portal introduced by Prime Minister Modi, allowing target groups to access subsidized loan schemes.

PM-DAKSH Portal

• An online platform for skill development training aimed at empowering marginalized communities.

Financial Schemes

• Vishwas Yojana: Offers financial assistance to SC, BC, and sanitation worker communities.
• Namaste Yojana: Provides financial protection to sanitation workers and supports their welfare.

Rang Paridhan Program

• Objective: This initiative showcases uniforms crafted by artisans, reinforcing India’s cultural heritage.
• Implementation: Premier corporations under the Ministry will adopt these artisan-made uniforms for their personnel.

Impact of Schemes

Loan Assistance

• Approximately 5.6 million beneficiaries and their families have accessed loan assistance.

Skill Training

• Over 614,000 young individuals have received skill development training through Ministry initiatives.

Economic Empowerment

• These initiatives aim to economically empower marginalized communities and integrate them into the mainstream economy.

Fair Details

Dates: The mela runs from 5th to 15th November.

Stalls and Participants

• 105 stalls showcase traditional crafts from 16 states.
• Featured crafts include metalwork, wooden artifacts, cane and bamboo items, pottery, handloom products, jewelry, leather goods, and textiles.

Cultural Programs

• Each evening, colorful cultural performances will be held to celebrate India’s diverse traditions and artistic expressions.