National Handicrafts Award

• The National Handicrafts Awards for 2023 and 2024 were presented by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi.

• These awards were given in recognition of exceptional craftsmanship and artistic excellence.

• The handicrafts sector provides employment to over 3.2 million people, most of whom are from rural areas.

• Women constitute approximately 68% of the handicrafts workforce, contributing to women's empowerment.

• The reduction of GST on handicrafts from 18% to 5% has boosted the growth of this sector.

• The government has set a target of ₹1 lakh crore in handicrafts exports by 2031-32.

• A total of 12 Shilp Guru Awards and 36 National Awards were presented for both years.