40th ‘Hunar Haat’ in Mumbai

Context

Union Minister of Minority Affairs inaugurated the 40th edition of the ‘Hunar Haat’ in Mumbai.

Key-Points

• The 40th edition of the project, which was inaugurated by Union Ministers for Information and Broadcasting, Youth Affairs and Sports, will bring together at least 1,000 artisans and craftsmen from across the country.
• “Hunar Haat” has offered employment to over 9 lakh artists and craftsmen in just six years, in addition to promoting ancestral arts and crafts even in distant corners of the country.
• More than half of these recipients are women.
• Women craftsmen make up more than half of the recipients.
• Every “Hunar Haat” has an average of 8 to 10 lakh visitors. 
• According to the report, over 4 crore people attended 39 “Hunar Haats” across the country to buy indigenous products, support artisans and craftsmen, and enjoy various musical and cultural programmes.

Theme

• Vocal for Local and “Best from Waste”.

What is Hunar Haat?

• It is organised by the Ministry of Minority Affairs under USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills & Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development) scheme.
• It is an exhibition of handicrafts and traditional products made by artisans from minority communities.
• It aims to provide exposure and employment opportunities to various artisans, craftsmen and traditional culinary experts to display their handmade and indigenous products.
• Hunar Haat has proved to be immensely beneficial and encouraging for artisans and craftsmen as lakhs of people visit the “Hunar Haat” and purchase indigenous handmade products of artisans on a large scale.

What is the USTTAD Scheme?

• The scheme was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
• This scheme aims to upgrade the capacity building and traditional skills of master craftsmen and artisans.
• In light of globalization & competitive market, these crafts have gradually lost their employability. 
• It also envisages boosting skills of craftsmen, weavers, and artisans who are already engaged in traditional ancestral work.
• The duration of the training will be for a minimum of two months and a maximum of one year based upon the selected traditional art or craft.
• The course would include training on soft skills, IT, Spoken English depending upon the level of trainees.
• Objectives
• To build capacity and upgrade the traditional skills of master craftsmen/artisans
• To document identified traditional arts/crafts of minorities
• To train minority youths in various identified traditional arts/crafts
• To develop national and international market linkages.