Five handicraft artisans were recognised for their outstanding achievement during the 6th State Award Scheme held at the Directorate Commerce and Industries in Lower Nongrim Hills today.
There were altogether 43 entries from the different districts for the awards which ranges from cane and bamboo products, wood carving, stone carving, flower crafts, traditional terracotta jewellery, trophies, musical instruments and others.
However only five were selected to avail the award scheme which included Dlarson Byrsaw of Kenbah, Syntein in East Khasi Hills for his guitar under Cane and Bamboo craft, Helme Shylla of Tyrshang village in West Jaiñtia Hills for stout pot under Black Pottery, Kalbok Mawthoh of Thangsning in East Khasi Hills district for a replica of a Khasi woman under Wood Carving, Previan Lapasam of Sohkymphor Nein, Wahpung Block, East Jaiñtia Hills for dried bottle gourd and cane fibre craft and Chiangbarth N. Marak of 10 Reserve Gittim, Baghmara, South Garo Hills for Chywgyn under Wood carving.
The main objective of the scheme of State Award for Handicraft Artisans is to recognise the outstanding achievement of the master craftsman towards the skill, technique, innovative ideas, design and level of quality.
The important benefits of being selected in the State Award is that they may be engaged as designer/expert and also are eligible to avail the various schemes from the Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textile, Government of India.
The government will also try to provide seed money for construction of working shed, storeroom, sales outlet and also for purchase of working tools as well as skill upgradation training for semi skills artisans residing around the areas of the awardees.
