Bhubaneswar, Dec. 7: The Toshali National Crafts Mela is round the corner and the state government has initiated a number of steps to prevent it from the adverse effects of demonetisation.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM) counters will be installed at the fair to ensure easy cashless transactions for the visitors. "Last year, we had only two ATMs of SBI and UCO banks. But this time, we will install at least five, because many visitors would need cash for shopping. Negotiations are on with various nationalised banks," said the state handloom and handicrafts department's joint secretary Raja Parija.

Also, weavers and artisans will be trained on cashless transactions. "A number of popular craftsmen will put up their kiosks at the fair. Many of them trade over Rs 10,000 each a day. So, we will try to make sure that they are able to make use of swipe machines and receive payments through electronic wallets," he said.

Also, provisions will be made so that visitors can exchange notes with coins of Rs 10 as it becomes easy to make small payments.

Preparations are on for the fair scheduled between December 15 and 27.

The state government will promote the Pipili appliqué work, one of the most popular traditional forms of crafts in the state, at the fair. Last year, the fair was based on the theme of ikkat, a form of tie-and-dye technique.

A kiosk will be set up at the centre of the fair ground, where artisans will demonstrate the intricacies of the art to visitors. The fair will also be designed keeping the theme in mind. "The fair attracts lakhs of people every year. It is a great platform for the artisans to meet the stakeholders and also a chance for prospective customers to buy items at a reasonable rate," said handloom and handicrafts minister Snehangini Chhuria.

The fair witnesses around over 10 lakh footfall every year.

Artisans and weavers from across the country set up around 350 kiosks selling handicrafts and handloom items. The food court will be an added attraction with an array of mouth-watering dishes on offer. Cultural programmes will also be held in the evenings.

"A number of sub-committees have been formed to take care of various aspects of the fair such as security, decoration, parking facilities and sanitation," said the minister.