The Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that government will keep taking decisions to achieve the goal of 5 trillion dollar economy. Addressing a function this afternoon at Varanasi he said facilitating and strengthening traditional handicrafts workers, artisans and MSME will help in achieving the goal.Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the program namely 'Kashi Ek Roop Anek' organized at the Deen dayal upadhyay Trade Facilitation Center, Bada lalpur at Varanasi. During the function he visited an exhibition on the various products from Kashi and others districts of UP produced by the weavers and handicraftsmen. He not only inspected the stall of Handloom, Pink Meenakari, Wooden Toys, Chandauli Black Rice, Kannauj's Perfume, Moradabad's Metal Crafts, Agra Leather Shoes, Lucknow's Chikankari, and Azamgarh Black Pottery under the One District One Product but also interacted with artisans and craftsman. He also distributed kits and financial assistance to artisans and craftsman from different crafts.He appreciated the Uttar Pradesh Government for taking several initiatives in creating more opportunities for Indian products in the international market and for providing essentials such as machines, credit, loans to the weavers and handicraftsmen under several schemes. Prime Minister mentioned that due to UP Government’s programmes like One District One Product programme, exports from UP have been steadily increasing in the last 2 years. PM said the country will benefit from the products of UP, reaching abroad and online market of the world.He said in India each and every district can be identified with some unique art, product such as different varieties of silk, spices etc. This, he said is the biggest inspiration behind ideas like Make in India and One District One Product.
He noted that in the last 2 years more than 3500 artisans weavers from 30 districts were supported by UP Institute of Design (UPID). Toolkits were also given to over 1000 workers. He commended the efforts of UPID in extending support to weavers, artisans, handicraftsmen etc.Stressing on the need for refining, improving quality of the products made in India, as per the demands of 21st century, Prime Minister said it is necessary to provide institutional support, financial assistance, new technology and marketing facilitate to our traditional industries. He said for the past 5 years, we have been making efforts in this direction. We are moving forward with a new approach that focuses on empowering every person in the country.Highlighting several measures taken to facilitate industries and wealth creators, Prime Minister said this year’s Budget has given utmost thrust to Manufacturing and Ease of Doing Business. He said National Technical Textile Mission has been proposed with the allocation of Rs 1500 crore. He said provision of Rs 3700 crore has also been made for the Defense Corridor in UP. Small industries will benefit from this corridor, and it would also create new employment opportunities. Prime Minister mentioned that GEM (Government e-Marketplace) has made it easier for small enterprises to sell goods to the government. He said creation of Unified Procurement System would further enable the government to procure goods and services from small industries on a single platform.He said for the first time in the country, National logistics policy is being prepared, which will create single window e logistics, thus making small scale industries more competitive and also helping in employment generation.Prime minister concluded the address by urging everyone to take concerted efforts to make India a manufacturing powerhouse.