Traditional artisans suffering, says Rudy

SHILLONG: Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajiv Pratap Rudy said on Saturday said traditional artisans across the country are witnessing livelihood issues.
Replying to a question on the gradual decline in number of artisans and craftsman in the North East, the minister said, “We need to understand one important thing. There would always be a trade-off between human resource employment and technology.
Today, we have power looms operating everywhere, producing a cheaper product and people are happy buying it. Of course this grossly affects the traditional handloom industry.”
However, talking about measures to improve the situation, Rudy said, “As far as MSDE is concerned, one very important thing that we have undertaken is the recognition of prior learning that is assessing and certifying the already existing workforce. What it provides is an official and nationally recognised certification to all these artisans, weavers and craftspersons, among others, so that they have an identity to their skills.”