Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Nine Days Mela Features 83 Stalls, Including 80 Stalls Allotted To Artisans, Among Them 37 Women Artisans
12 States, Union Territories Participating in the Mela
Secretary Reiterates Government’s Commitment To Ensure Strong Market Access, Encourage Entrepreneurship And Advance Economic Empowerment Of Disadvantaged Communities
प्रविष्टि तिथि: 18 OCT 2026 9:29PM by PIB Delhi
The Union Secretary of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Sudhansh Pant visited the ongoing Nine Days Shilp Samagam Mela 2026, at Mysuru in Karnataka this evening.
The Mela is being organized by the Ministry through joint partnership of three national corporations under the Ministry namely National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) and the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC), which provide financial assistance to artisans and eligible beneficiaries.
During the visit to Mysuru Dasara Exhibition Grounds, the Secretary inspected stalls and talked to the Stall Managers and visitors.
The Union Secretary is on a two days official visit to Mysuru to take comprehensive review of the Ministry’s Schemes, Programmes and Initiatives under implementation, with the Administration. He is also undertaking Site Visits in Mysuru.
Shri Pant said through such initiatives, the Ministry continues to strengthen market access, encourage entrepreneurship and advance the economic empowerment of disadvantaged communities.
The Shilp Samagam Mela continues until October 19 Monday, offering visitors an opportunity to explore India’s traditional crafts and handloom products while supporting the livelihoods of artisans.
A Senior Official in the Ministry said the Mela is underway since October 11 and provides a marketing platform for artisans and beneficiaries from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Safai Karamcharis, enabling them to showcase their traditional handicrafts, handloom products and other goods to a wider audience.
The Official informed that the ongoing Mela features 83 stalls, including 80 stalls allotted to artisans, among them 37 women artisans. Artisans from 12 States and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Puducherry, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, are participating in the exhibition.
He said the stalls feature with a diverse range of products, including handicrafts, handloom sarees, spices, pickles, incense sticks, honey products, block-printed items, leather goods, wooden toys, bags, purses, terracotta products, artificial jewellery, rosewood wall hangings, and bed and cushion covers. He also visited the Food stalls serving traditional delicacies adding to the visitor experience.
The Official further said the Mela is designed to strengthen market linkages for artisans, promote traditional craftsmanship and create sustainable livelihood opportunities. Through direct interaction with visitors and prospective customers, participating artisans can display their products, expand their customer base and improve the market reach of their enterprises. The initiative also promotes India’s rich cultural heritage and supports the preservation of traditional art forms and skills, he added.
He added that the Mela also serves as an important platform for disseminating information about the schemes and programmes of the Ministry and its three national corporations, helping eligible beneficiaries learn about available financial assistance and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The Official informed that the Ministry facilitates artisans’ participation by providing free stalls and support towards travel expenses, daily allowance, transportation of goods and meals, in accordance with the applicable arrangements.
It is pertinent to mention that in addition to the Mela, the Ministry is promoting the BHARAT TULIP (Traditional Artisans’ Upliftment Livelihood Programme) initiative to expand market access for products made by target-group artisans through digital platforms in India and abroad. Branding products under BHARAT TULIP is intended to improve their visibility, facilitate online sales and connect traditional artisans with a wider customer base.
The Ministry has been organizing Shilp Samagam Melas since 2022, benefiting 975 artisans through 13 fairs held so far.
The ongoing Mysuru edition is the first Shilp Samagam Mela of the financial year 2026–27.
The Ministry also proposes to organize additional fairs in Guwahati (Oct 21 to 28, 2026); Dilli Haat in New Delhi, Jodhpur and Lucknow during the current financial year, alongside participation in major exhibitions such as the India International Trade Fair 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from November 14 to 27, 2026, and the Surajkund Mela in February 2027.
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