By Newsgram Staff Writer

A National level workshop on revamped SFURTI (Scheme of fund for regeneration of traditional industries) was organized by Khadi and Village Industries Commission in New Delhi today. The workshop was organised to promote traditional industries and create employment in rural areas and prepare action plan to ensure successful interaction and create platform for the exchange of ideas on cluster developments.

Kalraj Mishra, Union Minister, Ministry of MSME in his key note address announced that during this 5 year plan 800 SFURTI clusters will be set up which will a great boost to the khadi and village industries. During the last five decades, KVIC has been promoting millions of traditional rural artisans and entrepreneurs of the country and is providing employment opportunities, the Minister said.

The Minister stated that modernization of Khadi and village industries is the key to create more job opportunities at the rural and grass root level without affecting the environment. He further stated that this new phenomenon would enhance sustainable opportunities in this field.

A total number of 51642 Artisans have been covered under the SFURTI cluster, out of which 55% are women artisans. The Target for the revamped SFURTI Clusters under 12th five Year Plan is to set up 800 Clusters with an outlay of Rs 850 crore which will cover 4 lakh artisans across the country.

Assistance from Multilateral Development Bank is also to be leverage to extend support under SFURTI Programme.