Nainital district administration to introduce eco-friendly bags with Aipan drawings
In order to minimise use of plastic polybags in the Nainital district and other adjoining areas while also aiming increasing the reach of Aipan art form, the Nainital district administration with the help of Self Help Groups (SHGs) is planning to introduce eco-friendly bags with Aipan drawings from February.
Informing this, the General Manager of the district industries centre (DIC) of Nainital, Vipin Kumar stated that there are currently 25 women involved in the training of making eco-friendly bags while 60 women are getting trained in drawing Aipan art forms on various objects under Naina Devi Growth Centre. Those women who get well trained by the end of this month will be included in the manufacturing of eco-friendly bags and those who would require more time to master the skill will continue their training. The officials further informed that they will focus on the production of the products as per the demand in the market rather than trying hard to sell in the market what they are producing. Kumar said that though the women group will make eco-friendly bags with Aipan drawings but the size, thickness and purpose of the bags can be adjusted and produced as per the demand of the clients. He said that the women are being trained by one of the best master craftsmen as they are capable of making anything from eco-friendly carry bags to school backpacks. As per Kumar, the administration is planning to connect about 450 women with such projects under Naina Devi Growth Centre to make them financially independent. He said that after women will finish training, they can either work in the common facility centre (CFC) or work through their homes. “We will provide all the necessary equipment to women and they can continue to work as per their comfort level through which they can earn some money,” said Kumar. He also pointed out that the administration will soon issue Shilpkar cards to the women so that they can commence their own business too anywhere in the country. Officials also said the administration is also doing some trials like making Aipan drawings on items of clothing like shawls besides crockery, frames and decorative pieces too to promote Aipan in the other parts of Uttarakhand too.
Saturday, 30 January 2021 | PNS | Dehradun
