EPCH urges state governments for vaccination camps in Export Units

NEW DELHI – 11th May’2021 – One of the largest vaccination programme is underway in the country wherein vaccination has now been opened for Individuals above 18 years. The country aims to vaccinate the entire population as early as possible as it seems to be the most viable option to fight the current pandemic.

The whole country is in the grip of 2nd wave of coronavirus impacting the economy with very limited economic activities with necessary COVID protocols is being undertaken across the country said, Shri Ravi K. Passi, Chairman-EPCH.  He further added, adherence to COVID protocols is only a preventive measure, however, the real solution to fight with Corona is to vaccinate each and every person so that we have a permanent safeguard since the vaccine do not only stop one from getting infected but also help in curing the disease faster and reducing its severity.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General-EPCH said that the Council has written to Chief Secretaries of State Governments and also to District Magistrates of major craft clusters like Moradabad, Saharanpur, Jaipur, Jodhpur and others to launch vaccination drives by setting up of vaccination camps in the industrial areas so that every worker/Artisan is vaccinated and helps the country become COVID free. He further added, EPCH along with the local associations would be happy to coordinate with local administration to launch the vaccination drive.

Elaborating further, Dr. Kumar said, EPCH has made direct efforts by contributing Rs. 28 lakhs towards PM Cares Fund  and also supplemented the efforts of its members in craft clusters by distributing COVID Care Kits and food packets amongst artisans in various craft clusters.

The estimated figures for exports of handicrafts for the period April-March of the current financial year 2020-21 which stands at Rs. 25558.94 crores (USD 3443.45 million) registering a growth of 1.14 % (Rupee terms) and  decline (-)3.39 % (dollar terms) over the same period last year.