EPCH Chairman Meets Maharashtra Govt to Boost Handicrafts Exports

Delhi NCR/ Mumbai, 24 July 2025 – Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman of the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), alongwith Avdesh Agarwal, Chief Convenor, EPCH India, Ravi Passi, Pradeep Muchalla, Member(s) CoA and leading member Ashok Boob met today with Deependra Singh Kushwah, IAS, Development Commissioner (Industries), Government of Maharashtra, at Mantralaya, Mumbai. The meeting was held to discuss strategies and present detailed suggestions for the growth and promotion of the handicrafts sector in the State of Maharashtra with a focus on enhancing exports of handicrafts from the country, informed Dr. Neeraj Khanna.

During the meeting, Dr. Khanna highlighted Maharashtra’s significant contribution to India’s handicrafts exports, and emphasized the rich heritage of the state reflected in its diverse range of craft products such as tribal jewellery, Warli paintings, musical instruments, bamboo & coconut shell crafts, pottery, Ajanta paintings, and more.

Dr. Khanna submitted a formal representation on behalf of EPCH, outlining actionable suggestions to overcome current challenges faced by member exporters and artisans in the state. Key recommendations included support through • – An Export Policy tailored for handicraft export sector. • Enhanced MDA Scheme: • E-Commerce Export Support: • Freight Subsidy: • Export Credit Insurance Reimbursement: • Interest Subsidy: • Design Development Assistance: • Compliance Grant: • Plug & Play Infrastructure: • Inclusion in State Schemes, – Promotion and support for women entrepreneurs, Promotion of ODOP and Geographical Indication (GI) products.:

During the above meeting, the potential for growth in the handicrafts sector by establishing incubation centers in cities like Mumbai, Thane, and Pune and suggested to sign an MoU (Tri-port agreement) with EPCH to provide fully construction space of 7 lakh square feet for promotion of handicrafts from Maharashtra was discussed. These incubation centers would include design facilities, skill development programs, and other initiatives to foster the growth of handicrafts, informed Dr. Khanna.

During meeting, Avdesh Agarwal, Chief Convenor, EPCH India and Ravi Passi, Member, CoA invited the Government of Maharashtra to actively participate in the upcoming 60th IHGF Delhi Fair – Autumn 2025, scheduled from 13–17 October 2025, where thematic displays from Maharashtra’s crafts sector can be showcased to over 7000 overseas buyers and more than 3000 Indian exporters.

Deependra Singh Kushwah, IAS, Development Commissioner (Industries), Government of Maharashtra appreciated EPCH’s initiatives and assured of the Government’s support in fostering growth and employment through the handicrafts sector.

EPCH delegation also met with the Director, Ms Renu Shome of The Council of EU Chamber of Commerce in India, Mumbai and discussed strategy for promotion of exports of handicrafts in European Union, informed by Agarwal.