MR. O.P. PRAHLADKA TAKES OVER AS NEW CHAIRMAN OF EPCH
Mr. O.P. Prahladka, Vice-Chairman-EPCH has taken over as new Chairman of Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) during 154th meeting of Committee of Administration (COA) held on today.
Mr. Prahladka, representing M/S Hitaishi KK-Manufacturing Company Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata, is a leading handicrafts exporter from Eastern Region. He is a qualified Electrical and Electronic Engineer from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra and is an acknowledged International & National expert in use of craft materials like wood, horn, bone, shell, jute, cotton, cotton canvas, leather and other natural fibers in the most innovative way. Mr. Prahladka is also a trained craftsperson in wood craft, horn and bone craft, shell craft, jute craft and other natural fibers craft.
Mr. Prahladka is associated with Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) since its inception and continues to play an important role for inspiring the new entrepreneurs in the craft industry. Mr. Prahladka has also contributed significantly in building the present concept of IHGF Delhi Craft Fairs at EPCH. Mr. Prahladka has also been the Promote Director of India Exposition Mart Limited, Greater Noida (IEML).
Mr. Prahladka has also been instrumental in the establishment of the National Centre for Product & Development (NCDPD) and also the Founder Member of the recently formed Handicrafts and Carpet Skill Development Council (HCSSC). Mr. Prahladka has been instrumental in driving the growth of handicrafts in the Eastern Region, in the North East and at National level by mentoring several Artisan Groups and new handicraft enterprises.
Mr. Prahladka expressed his gratitude to members of Committee of Administration of EPCH after taking over as Chairman of Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts, an apex organization for promotion of Exports of Handicrafts from the Country.
The New Chairman, Mr. O.P. Prahladka said that in order to sustain this growth, the international marketing initiatives, cluster development projects, design and product development, new policy initiatives are needed to be pursued more vigorously.
The exports of Handicrafts have shown an increase from Rs. 21557.12 crores (2015-16) to Rs. 24530.25 crores during the year 2016-17 showing an increase of 13.79% over previous year. The handicrafts export has surpassed the target of US $ 3600 million and has achieved of US $ 3657.30 million during the year 2016-17 – a growth of 11.07%.
