IITF Promotes Swadeshi Products, Says Minister

New Delhi, Nov 17 (PTI) Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar on Monday visited the India Pavilion at the 44th India International Trade Fair here, and highlighted the fair's role in promoting ‘Swadeshi' products and supporting artisans from the marginalised communities.

Accompanied by Minister of State B L Verma, Kumar inspected the stalls set up by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, which has allocated 100 stalls this year.

Around 100 artisans and weavers from across the country are participating in the India International Trade Fair (IITF), many of them beneficiaries of the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), and National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC).

“This fair, themed on promoting 'Swadeshi' to make India self-reliant, serves as an effective marketing platform for the sale of products made by artisans from the marginalised communities,” Kumar said, adding that the initiative allows craftsmen to directly connect with the buyers and boost their income.


For the first time, stalls have also been allotted to artisans from de-notified, nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes, officials said.

The exhibits range from Banarasi, Chanderi, Bandhani, Kanjivaram, Paithani and Baluchari silk sarees and suits to Kolhapuri, Punjabi and Rajasthani footwear.

Bamboo and cane furniture, wooden toys, block-printed fabrics, jute and cotton products, chikankari embroidery, rosewood paintings, soft toys, artificial jewellery, brass artefacts, and patchwork items are also on display.

Kumar also highlighted the ministry's new portal, designed to link artisans with domestic and international buyers through multiple e-commerce platforms.