Khadi and Village Industries Minister Rakesh Sachan inaugurates

event by cutting ribbon at Khadi Bhawan

Last year, sales were more than Rs 5 crore, and this time

even more sales likely

Over 48,000 artisan families identified, 18,432 electric

potter's wheels distributed

Lucknow, Oct 28 (HS): With the aim of giving a new dimension

to the rich Matikala tradition of Uttar Pradesh and providing better employment

and entrepreneurship opportunities to the artisans associated with it, Matikala

Mahotsav-2026 was inaugurated at Khadi Bhawan on Wednesday. Handloom and

Textile Industry, Khadi and Village Industries Minister Rakesh Sachan

inaugurated the festival by cutting the ribbon and also expressed the

possibility of breaking the previous sales record this time. On the occasion of

the festival, free electric potter's wheel was distributed to five artisans,

pugmill machine to two artisans and a bank loan cheque was distributed to a

beneficiary of the Chief Minister Matikala Employment Scheme.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the

state government is placing special emphasis on integrating traditional crafts

with modern technology, skills training, financial assistance, and markets. The

Matikala Festival is an important part of this effort, encouraging artisans and

providing an opportunity to gain wider recognition for their products.

Minister Rakesh Sachan stated that clay lamps, toys,

sculptures, utensils, and other artistic products have been an integral part of

Indian culture and tradition. Amidst changing lifestyles, the government is

implementing various schemes to revive the popularity of these products and

strengthen the livelihoods of the artisans involved. The Uttar Pradesh Clay Art

Board was formed on July 19, 2018, to promote the clay art sector in an

organized manner. The Board has so far identified 48,048 artisan families in

the state. Clay extraction leases have also been allotted to 39,468 clay art

artisans to ensure the availability of raw materials.

To provide artisans with modern equipment, 18,432 electric

potter's wheels have been distributed so far. The goal is to distribute an

additional 2,740 electric potter's wheels in the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Similarly, 675 pugmill machines have been distributed to simplify the

clay-kneading process, with plans to distribute 300 more machines in the

current fiscal year.

Additionally, 603 pairs of POP dies have been provided for

the creation of statues, 31 machines for painting, and 81 machines for making

lamps. Modern equipment can make the production process more convenient and

help artisans produce products that meet market demand.

Through the Chief Minister's Matikala Rozgar Yojana (Chief

Minister's Matikala Rozgar Yojana), the Yogi government is striving to connect

traditional artisans with self-employment and entrepreneurship. Under the

scheme, 1,333 beneficiaries have been granted loans and established Matikala

units in the last seven years. The target is to establish 300 additional units

by March 2027 in the 2026-27 financial year. Extensive training programs have

also been conducted to develop artisan skills. Over the past seven years,

18,432 beneficiaries have received technical training in operating modern

equipment, 1,333 beneficiaries have received training in enterprise management,

and 7,836 beneficiaries have received training in craftsmanship. Additionally,

Common Facility Centers have been established in 10 districts of the state:

Pilibhit, Rampur, Kannauj, Amroha, Barabanki, Firozabad, Bijnor, Amethi,

Bareilly, and Jalaun.

The use of pottery and traditional products has been a

long-standing part of Indian lifestyle. Products like kulhars, pitchers, jugs,

and earthen lamps still retain their traditional identity. Promoting clay

products has the potential to increase demand for local artisans and encourage

environmentally friendly alternatives. Events like the Matikala Mahotsav help

increase direct contact between artisans and consumers, create recognition for

products, and attract a new generation to traditional crafts. The government's initiative

aims to transform Matikala from being limited to tradition alone to a strong

source of employment, self-employment, and local economic activity.

Minister Rakesh Sachan said that the Matikala Mahotsav

provides artisans with an opportunity to showcase and sell their products. Last

year, products worth over five crore rupees were sold at the festival. This

year, too, a new sales record is expected, given the enthusiasm of the artisans

and the growing interest in clay products.

At the launch of the Matikala Mahotsav-2026, Shiva

Prajapati, Ram Khelawan, Nanha, Ajay, and Gayatri from Lucknow were honored as

beneficiaries for the electric potter's wheel. Ramesh Kumar and Dilip Kumar

from Lucknow were also benefited for the pugmill machine. Under the Chief

Minister's Matikala Employment Scheme, Shreya, a resident of Munshiganj,

Daliganj, Lucknow, was presented with a loan cheque of Rs. 2 lakh.

On this occasion, Principal Secretary, Handloom and

Textiles, Khadi and Village Industries and Public Enterprises Department, Anil

Sagar and CEO, Uttar Pradesh Khadi and Village Industries Board, Shishir were

present.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi