Shilp Samagam Mela-2023: Union Minister Announces Rs 17,225 Crore Support for 54 Lakh Beneficiaries

Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar announced on Saturday that funding of Rs 17,225 crore have been disbursed to support and empower more than 54 lakh people from marginalized groups across the country.

The Shilp Samagam Mela is being organised by the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC), and the National Safai Karmi Development Corporation (NSKFDC) of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Shilp Samagam is organized from 07-15 October, 2023

Speaking on this momentous occasion, the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr Virendra Kumar said, “Funds amounting to Rs 17,225 crore, benefiting more than 54 lakh individuals from different parts of the country have been disbursed to provide support and empower marginalised sections through various programmes focused on educational, economic, and social development, as well as the rehabilitation of its target groups.”

“Our mission is to provide them with a substantial platform for exhibiting and selling their diverse range of products. The three corporations under the ministry, namely NSFDC, NBCFDC, and NSKFDC, have facilitated artisans and other beneficiaries by extending financial assistance at a nominal interest rate of 5% through term loan schemes, microfinance schemes, and various channel partners, enabling them to market and sell their products via this exhibition platform,” Kumar said.

There are a wide range of products available for sale at the Shilp Samagam- 2023. It includes a diverse range of items. These include wooden craft, metal craft, cane and bamboo products, Madhubani paintings, ceramic products, handloom and textile items, wooden utensils, jewellery, leather goods, jute products, carpet, and dairy products.

Additionally, the exhibition features wooden craft products, phulkari products, water hyacinth products, pickles, organic honey, Aari embroidery work, jackets, Rajasthani juttis, beadwork, and more. The inaugural fair commenced in Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior and is slated to be organised in Amritsar, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Nagpur and Patna in the near future.

Furthermore, visitors can indulge in delightful dishes representing various regions of the country at the event, while vibrant cultural performances each evening are sure to be a captivating attraction.