Patna: A baseline survey will start for the government to prepare a database of artisans of Bihar's various art forms.
The survey from November 15 will aim to identify artisans, every detail about them and based on the result, special training programmes will be conducted.
These programmes would hone skills of the artisans, giving them the opportunity to use their expertise for economic gains.
Upendra Maharathi Shilpa Sansthan, that functions under the industries department, will conduct the survey under the Union textile ministry's integrated development and promotion of handicrafts scheme.
Terracotta, sikki art, Madhubani painting, appliqué, sujani embroidery, venu embroidery, tikuli painting, sculpture, wood craft, Manjusha painting, jute craft and metal craft will be covered in the baseline survey. Places associated with the handicrafts have been identified - for instance, Jhanjharpur and Rahika blocks of Madhubani district for the baseline survey of engaged in Madhubani painting, Bhagalpur district for Manjusha, and Purnea district for the study of jute craft.
"We will launch the survey programme from November 15 and the work is likely to be completed by December end," M.K. Mandal, industries extension officer at Upendra Maharathi Shilpa Sansthan, told The Telegraph.
Special emphasis, he said, is on keeping the artisans away from the clutches of middlemen who become active during such surveys and try to fleece the people in the name of getting their names included on the survey list. The Sansthan has issued a cellphone number (9191135738) for artisans to contact during office hours for any enquiries on the survey.
Once the details are collected and the database ready, Mandal said the Sansthan will conduct the training programmes of six months. The artisans will be provided certificates on completion of the training, which they can use to avail benefits the Centre's integrated development and promotion of handicrafts scheme.
A source in the Bihar industries department said the scheme aims at improve the financial condition of artisans and use their skills for various government schemes.
