Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development (USTTAD)

The scheme was launched in 2015 with the objective to preserve heritage of traditional arts and crafts of minority communities and build capacity of traditional crafts persons and artisans and establish linkages of traditional skills with the global market.

Components of the Scheme

• Upgradation of skills and training in traditional arts/crafts through institutions.
• USTTAD Apprenticeship stipend for research and development.
• Support to craft and museum for curating traditional arts/crafts.
• Support to minority craftsmen/artisans through Hunar Haat and Shilp Utsav for marketing for their products through exhibitions throughout the country and abroad.
• Recognition of talented Master Craftsmen and Artisans.
• The scheme is implemented by NGOs, civil society and government agencies as Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs).
• Performance of the Scheme: As of 2018-19, 84 NGOs/Civil Society Organizations are running the scheme with intended beneficiaries more than 7500.
• Apart from above initiatives under the scheme, the government must stress more on creating awareness about the importance of these heritages and traditions to sensitize the community more.