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Greetings! The Institute for Human Development (IHD) and Crafts Council of India (CCI) cordially invite you to the launch of the report, Economics of Indian Craft: Estimating Employment and Value Added in the Handicraft and Handloom Sector, on 18th May 2026. Shri Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles, Government of India, and Professor S. Mahendra Dev, Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) will launch the report. Prepared and published by IHD for CCI, the report presents evidence of the size, employment and value added of India's handmade sector as well as a methodological toolkit that can help integrate the contribution of artisans into national systems of accounting. The methodology presented in the report is based on extensive field research conducted across Assam, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. It draws on the findings and recommendations of the Sixth Economic Commission (2013-14). The study highlights the handmade sector’s critical contribution to livelihoods, cultural heritage, women’s employment, and inclusive economic growth, while underscoring the need for stronger policy support and formal recognition. The launch will be followed by a Panel Discussion on: "Economics of Indian Craft: Strategies for Employment Generation and Enhancing Value Addition". The discussion will bring together policymakers, researchers, and sector stakeholders to deliberate on evidence-based strategies for strengthening the handmade sector’s contribution to employment generation, value addition, and sustainable livelihoods for artisans. Professor S. R. Hashim, Founder Chairman, IHD; Former Member Secretary, Planning Commission and Former Chairman, Union Public Service Commission, will Chair the session. We are pleased to invite you to participate in the launch event and enrich the deliberations of the Panel Discussion. Please click here to confirm your physical participation. If you are unable to join physically, you are welcome to join the event virtually. For virtual participation, please click here to register. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email along with information for joining the event. The event will also be available live on IHD's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@IHDINDIA. Please join us for Tea at 5.30 pm |
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With warm regards, PROFESSOR ALAKH N. SHARMA Director, IHD, New Delhi |
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