Govt moots action plan for leather artisans

- Minister for Social Welfare Ravela says govt is committed to revive the past glory of LIDCAP
- Vows for welfare and upliftment of artisans to enable them earn a decent living
- Hints at tying up with CLRI, Chennai to enhance the skills of leather artisans

Vijayawada: Minister for Social Welfare Ravela Kishore Babu said that government is committed for the welfare of leather artisans. “State government will strive for the upliftment of artisans and has been looking out to promote their products and enhance their skills in a global way’’, said Ravela, after inaugurating a workshop on ‘Leather Artisans’ held here on Sunday.

Addressing the gathering of leather artisans who attended the workshop from various parts of the State, Minister said that government is keen to revive the past glory of Leather Industries Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (LIDCAP). ‘’There are thousands of leather societies in the State whose representatives have come to the workshop. We vow to develop their standard of living by providing them more opportunities.

The ancient art will be encouraged and more support is on the way to empower artisans by the government’’, he said.

He said that State government will pool up funds and come out with a proper action plan to be implemented for welfare of the artisans. “We would encourage the artisans to pass on the tradition and skills to their future generations, which will run down the generations to come. Besides bags, footwear and belts, other products made out of leather are much in vogue. In association with the CLRI, Chennai, we would provide training for the artisans.

We shall upgrade their skills, impart new skills to reduce skill gap and guide them towards adapting new technology for their development and honour’’, added the Minister. Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of LIDCAP Limited V Saida, President of DICCI, M Madhusudhan Rao, president of DICCI South India, Ravi Kumar Narra spoke on the occasion.