Artisans Earn Rs 5.85 Crore at IITF-2024 as Stalls Attract Huge Crowds

New Delhi, Dec 1 (NationPress) The stalls established by underprivileged artisans with support from the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment turned out to be an enormous attraction for visitors at IITF-2024, achieving record sales of Rs. 5.85 crore, according to official reports released on Sunday.
Participation included representatives from 18 states and union territories, such as Assam, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal.
The Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar, inaugurated the Ministry’s Pavilion at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital’s Pragati Maidan on November 15, during the international fair that concluded on November 27.
The variety of products exhibited included readymade garments, handicrafts, block printing, zari silk, Chanderi sarees, artificial jewellery, leather items, embroidery, footwear, woollen items, handmade bags, cane & bamboo, pickles, namkeen, agarbatti & perfume, Rajasthani mojri, and a variety of toys for children.
IITF-2024 attracted over one million visitors and generated substantial business for the participants, stated Premjit Lal, Executive Director of the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO).
Various awards were presented during the event in multiple categories. Puducherry secured the Gold Medal, while Meghalaya received the Silver Medal and Karnataka took home the Bronze Medal in the States and Union Territories Category. Special Appreciation Certificates were awarded to Punjab, West Bengal, and Tripura.
In the Thematic Presentation by the States Category, Madhya Pradesh won the Gold Medal, Odisha received the Silver Medal, and Assam was awarded the Bronze. Special Appreciation Certificates were also presented to Maharashtra, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu.
During IITF, the ITPO also promoted and celebrated Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, raising awareness about cleanliness and sanitation among exhibitors and visitors. Awards for the Swachh Pavilion were given, with Gold awarded to Goa, Silver to Kerala, Bronze to Haryana, and Commendation awards to Uttarakhand and Gujarat.
In the Foreign Pavilions, the Embassy of the Republic of Tunisia received the Gold Medal, Egypt (Milano Bazar) secured the Silver Medal, and Turkey, Tillo Hediyelik Esya Sanayi tic itet Ltd. Serketi, and Thailand (Thai SMEs Exporter Association) received the Bronze Medal.