RIPA's Impact: Edka village panchayat's craftsmen and artists secure Rs 30 lakh order

RIPA scheme is proving to be a cornerstone in strengthening the rural economy

Narayanpur TNINS 

RIPA in the Edka village panchayat of Narayanpur district, being operated under the ambitious Mahatma Gandhi Rural Industrial Park scheme of the Chhattisgarh Government, is making remarkable progress. Presently, active operations are underway in three units - woodcraft, pottery, and handloom - involving nearly 50 men and women who are employed. Across the district, there are four operational RIPAs including one each in Edka, Chhotedongar, Orchha, Koliyari, engaging nearly 200 individuals in around 18 different activities. The Edka RIPA is specifically tailored to empower local craftsmen and artists.

Artists and craftsmen associated with this center have collectively received orders worth Rs 30 lakh. Beneficiaries are being furnished with essential resources including workspace, infrastructure, electricity, drinking water, sanitation facilities, machinery, raw materials, and free-of-cost training. Post-training, the artworks crafted by these artists are being sold to institutions through contractual agreements at various locations.

Members specializing in woodcraft and pottery stated that they previously faced challenges in securing work. They would only receive irregular small assignments, making their living exceedingly difficult. With the establishment of RIPA in the village, all artisans now collaborate under a single roof, ensuring a consistent flow of work. They further said that they have secured an order valued at Rs 20 lakh for crafting wooden tables and benches for schools. Additionally, there is a Rs 10 lakh contract underway for pottery artworks. We are extremely pleased with receiving orders and are working overtime to fulfil them. Undoubtedly, the RIPA scheme stands as a pivotal element in strengthening the rural economy, they said.