Page 10 - Craftcil August 2025

meetings & announcements

The Vision Paper lays out strategies to double handicraft exports, The move is aimed at strengthening artisan livelihoods, especially
strengthen globally renowned craft clusters such as Moradabad, for women in rural clusters, while unlocking domestic demand
Saharanpur, Bhadohi, Varanasi, etc. and enhance artisans welfare. It through organised retail and cash-and-carry channels.
also highlights opportunities under the forthcoming UP Export
On domestic demand dynamics, Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, EPCH,
Promotion Policy 2025-30 and recommends policy interventions said, "with recent US tariff headwinds adding uncertainty to export
to build sustainable growth and competitiveness.The challenges realisations, a uniform 5% GST across all handicraft items will bring
of exporters of Moradabad, including issues related to Municipal authentic handmade products within reach of more Indian
Corporation, House Tax, Pollution, GST, Labor, etc. were also discussed
households, catalyse modern retail and secure livelihoods in craft
in detail with the Hon'ble Chief Minister. clusters. Our focus is clear to grow demand at home so producers
Handicrafts & Handloom Bodies Forum Appeal GST @ 5% can plan confidently, invest in better design and quality and scale
sustainably".
EPCH, supported by leading industry and cluster bodies, including
Young Entrepreneur Society (YES), Moradabad Handicrafts Exporters Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General in the role of Chief Mentor,
Association (MHEA), Artisan Society from Moradabad; India Expo EPCH and Chairman, IEML, noted that the current fragmented GST
Mart Limited (IEML), Greater Noida; Jodhpur Handicrafts Exporters structure, ranging from NIL to 28% and creates classification issues,
Federation (JHEF), Jodhpur; Federation of Rajasthan Handicraft inflates shelf prices, and blocks working capital for MSMEs. While
Exporters (FORHEX), Jaipur; All India Crochet Lace Exporters exports enjoy zero rated status under the GST framework, the
Association, Narsapur; Saharanpur Wood Carving Manufacturers immediate priority is to unlock domestic potential and consumption
Associations, Saharanpur; All India Agarbathi Manufacturers so that the artisans benefit from steady year round demands.
Associations, Bangalore; Handicraft Exporters Association Agra and Mr. R K Verma, Executive Director EPCH added, “rationalising GST to
others have submitted representations seeking a uniform 5% GST 5% will improve margins for micro enterprises, ease cash flow, reduce
on handicraft and handloom items. classification ambiguities and expand shelf space for Indian handmade
products, driving sustainable growth for producer groups”. „

Fair President and Vice-Presidents nominated for 60th IHGF Delhi Fair Autumn

The 60th edition of IHGF-Delhi fair will be held
from 13th to 17th October 2025 at India Expo
Centre & Mart, Greater Noida. The fair r requires
not just operational excellence but a well-thought-
out approach to enhance its global appeal and
buyer engagement. In this context, Mr. Rajat
Asthana representing M/s Stonemen Crafts India
Pvt. Ltd has been nominated as President of IHGF
Presidents-IHGF Autumn 2025 : Mr. Rajat Asthana, M/s Stonemen Crafts India Pvt. Ltd, Agra and
Delhi Fair Autumn 2025 alongwith Mr. Mohit Mr. Mohit Chopra, M/s Chopra Musicals, Meerut; Vice Presidents-IHGF Autumn 2025 : Mr. Rohit
Chopra, M/s Chopra Musicals; Mr. Rohit Dhall, Dhall, M/s. H Lal International, Moradabad and Mr. Simrandeep S Kohli, M/s Sehaj Impex, New Delhi
M/s. H Lal International and Mr. Simrandeep Singh
accolades for his contribution in exports. He is actively engaged in
Kohli, M/s Sehaj Impex, have been nominated as Vice-Presidents,
social work for the education and health of artisans in Agra, U P.
IHGF Delhi Fair Autumn. Their rich experience in handicraft exports
Mr. Mohit Chopra representing M/s. Chopra Musicals is a prominent
landscape and buyer dynamics will play a crucial role in delivering
exporter from Meerut exporting musical handicrafts products;
a seamless, business-focused and globally competitiveness in the
Mr. Rohit Dhall representing M/s. H. Lal International is a prominent
upcoming edition of the fair.
exporter from Moradabad exporting artmetalware products and
Mr. Rajat Asthana representing M/s Stonemen Crafts India Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Simrandeep Singh Kohli is a leading member exporter
is a prominent exporter from Agra has a wide experience of over representing M/s Sehaj Impex from New Delhi exporting fashion
30 years, exporting stoneware products and has also received jewellery and accessories. „

10 CRAFTCIL • AUGUST 2025