export promotion council for handicrafts | annual …

87EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL FOR HANDICRAFTS | ANNUAL REPORT 2020-21 |


OVERVIEWOF ACTIVITIES IN 2020-21

2 | ANNUAL REPORT 2020-21 | EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL FOR HANDICRAFTS

The Committee of Administration of Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts is pleasedto present its 35th Annual Report, for the period ending on March 31, 2021 (April-March)with the audited Balance Sheet and Income & Expenditure Accounts, for the same period.

Overview of Handicraft ExportsExports of handicrafts during the period under reporting have registered marginal increasein exports. As per the export data handicrafts exports during 2020-21 amounted Rs.25,679.98crores in comparison to Rs. 25270.14 crores in 2019-20. In dollar terms, the exports ofhandicrafts have shown a marginal decline from US $ 3564.33 Million in 2019-20 to US$ 3459.75Million in 2020-21.During the period, exports of Woodwares, Embroidered & Crocheted goods, Shawls as Artwaresand Agarbatties & Attars showed increasing trends of 20.49%, 4.60%, 9.19% and 9.81% inrupee terms respectively. However Artmetalwares, Hand printed Textiles, Zari & Zari goodsand Imitation Jewellery and Misc. Handicrafts shows negative growth by 3.28%, 3.11%, 1.08%,20.98% and 7.29%. In USD terms exports of Woodwares, Shawls as Artwares and Agarbatties& Attars showed increasing trends of 15.09%, 4.30% and 4.89% respectively. Whereas Artmetalwares,Hand Printed Textiles, Embroidered & Crochetted goods , Zari & Zari goods, imitation Jewelleryand Misc. Handicrafts showed negative growth by 7.62%, 7.45%, 0.09%, 5.51%, 24.52% and11.44%. Overall increase in the rupee terms was 1.62% and decrease in the US$ terms was2.93%.During the period, in rupee terms exports to Germany, Italy, Japan, UAE, Switzerland, U.K andOther Countries have shown decline by 0.56%, 17.95%, 12.00%, 10.05%, 39.55%, 2.26% and10.72%. Exports to Australia, Canada, France, Netherland, USA and LAC countries increasedby 16.90%, 13.72%, 2.81%, 25.51%, 11.74% and 9.46%. In US Dollar term France, Germany,Italy, Japan, UAE, Switzerland, U.K, and other Countries decreased by 1.79%, 5.02%, 21.63%,15.95%, 14.09%, 42.26%, 6.64% and 14.72%. Whereas exports to Australia, Canada, Netherland,USA and LAC countries increased by 11.66%, 8.62%, 19.89%, 6.73% and 4.56%.

Enrolment / Membership of the CouncilThe Council enrolled 862 new members during 2020-21. The total membership of theCouncil was at 8676 members as on March 31st, 2021, including renewed memberships.

Overview for the Accounting Period 2020-21(April 2020 - March 2021)

EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL FOR HANDICRAFTS


Proceedings of the Committee of AdministrationThe Committee of Administration met five times during April 2020-March 2021, duringwhich, regular business was conducted besides consideration and approval of membership,selection for export awards, participation in exhibitions, organising seminars, inviting designersof handicrafts from foreign countries, activities related to IHGF Delhi Fair and commercialpublicity abroad, decisions on policy matters, EXIM, DEPB, Duty Drawback and administrativematters were taken up by the Committee.The Committee also took various other decisions to improve the services and ensure efficientfunctioning of the Council and for boosting exports of handicrafts. The Committee initiatedimportant activities highlighted in the report and various decisions were also taken as andwhen required. The following important decisions were taken by the Committee of Administration:✦ Approval of Activities and their Budget Estimates and Revised Budget Estimates for

the year 2020-21✦ Annual Action Plan for Export Promotion Activities 2020-21✦ Approval and adoption of Annual Report, Balance Sheet and Income & Expenditure

Account for the period 2019-20✦ Retirement / Election of COA members as per section 256 of the Companies

Act. 1956✦ Disbursement of MAI grant to the members✦ Organising Virtual IHGF Delhi Fair, 1st National Toys Fair and other product specialised

fairs - Textiles and Fashion Jewellery & Accessories

Organisation of the Council (2020-21)The Composition of the Committee of Administration as on 31st March, 2021 was as under:

*Members were retired and re-elected in the 34rd AGM of the Council held on 30th September 2020.** Members were elected in the 34rd AGM of the Council held on 30th September 2020

Committee of Administration (COA) Members

Shri Arshad Hussain Mir Shri Ashok Boob* Shri Dileep Baid

Shri L. R. Maheshwari Mrs. Jesmina Zeliang Shri Sagar Mehta*

Shri K.N. Tulasi Rao Shri Neeraj Khanna** Shri Mr. Hansraj Baheti

Shri Prince Malik Shri O. P. Prahladka* Shri D. Kumar*

Shri Nabeel Ahmad Shri Hemant Juneja** Shri Sharad Kumar Bansal

ChairmanShri Ravi K Passi

Executive Director cum Secretary / Director General

Shri R.K. Verma / Shri Rakesh Kumar

Vice ChairmenShri R K Malhotra Shri Kamal Soni


✦ Organising Virtual Buyer-Seller Meets✦ Dalbergia Species (Indian Sheesham/Rosewood) schedule II under CITES issues, approval

of Vriksh and issuance shipment certificate under VRIKSH Scheme✦ Seminars / Workshops / Training & Awareness programs in craft clusters✦ Construction of Trade Facilitation Centre at Jodhpur✦ Meetings & representations to the Government on GST and other matters concerning

promotion of exports of handicrafts✦ Wooden Testing Lab at Jaipur✦ Foreign Trade Policy and other Policy Issues✦ Administrative & Staff Issues✦ Compilation of Export Data✦ Other Activities for Export Promotion

Annual General Meeting34th Annual General Meeting of the Council was held on 30th September 2020 at NewDelhi and completed the business as per Articles of Association of the Council.

Extra-ordinary General MeetingThe Extra ordinary General Meeting of the Council was held on 30th September 2020 atNew Delhi and completed the business as per notice of the meeting.


WEBINARS, SEMINARS ANDTRAINING WORKSHOPS

With an objective to provide guidance for gearing upand strategically moving on to capture a larger shareof the international market, EPCH has been reachingout to its members in various craft pockets and regionsin India, through industry oriented informative seminarsas well as interactive events.Owing to a nationwide lockdown starting the month ofApril 2020, EPCH organised region specific audio as wellas video seminars/workshops and pan India webinarson topics of issues as well as deep concern to the tradein the given scenario. There was a gradual transition toin-person sessions. Conducted by professionals/expertsin various fields, the focus of these programs were onfacing threats & challenges brought about by the pandemic,targeting recovering/potential markets, strategising formanufacturing and pre-export procedures with COVIDrelated SOPs, product development, technical expertise,integrated marketing, design development, exportpromotion & facilitation, policies & procedures, potential& future prospects, etc. These activities kept the handicraftsfraternity connected amidst lockdown.


Webinars & Virtual Panel DiscussionsAs part of its commitment to provide uninterrupted services to its member-exporters via online mediumsand boost their morale during the pandemic, EPCH organised webinars and virtual panel discussionson various topics and issues of concern to the handicrafts fraternity. Each webinar intended to be anopportunity to make use of the present situation to brush up skills and find new ways of doing things,so that when businesses revive, the handicrafts fraternity is well equipped to handle the latest/newdemands and requirements. For a thorough understanding and a broader view of the topics, each sessionfeatured an eminent expert faculty/guest speaker as the technical expert as well as practical experts -member exporters who presented their views from experience in the particular segment/issue of concern.Many of these webinars were for pan-India and saw over 300 attendees each on an average. Most sawregistrations exceeding 1000.

GST Practical Implications & Current ScenarioOrganised on 9th April 2020 for member exporters in Uttar Pradesh with Mr. Shobhit Sinha, DeputyCommissioner IGST, Moradabad and CA Abhinav Agarwal from Moradabad, as guest speakers, this webinarsaw the presence of Mr. Naved-Ur-Rehman, Vice Chairman-EPCH; and COA members - Mr. Sharad Bansaland Mr. Nabeel Ahmed; and Mr. R K Verma, Executive Director, EPCH. Besides several member exporters,this was attended by representatives from 4 handicraft associations of Moradabad - Moradabad HandicraftsExporters Association (MHEA); Young Entrepreneur Society(YES); LUB and IIA. The speakers explainedthe topic focusing on specific Govt. notifications, various issues were discussed at length and clarificationssought. It was noted that the Government in response to the Council's representations took steps tosupport the industry in the form of various changes on GST portal to help exporters sail through difficulttimes. The association representatives conveyed Moradabad industry's concerns and raised specific issueslike immediate release of refunds to improve the liquidity of export firms; relief to exporters on the RedAlert list; unblocking of IEC across various ports due to minimal short payments, etc. so that somerelief is granted on the industry.

COVID-19: Threat or Opportunity for Handicraft ExportersThe objective of this webinar on 10thApril 2020 was to highlight emergingopportunities and challenges for thehandicraft sector, particularly of UttarPradesh in segments includingmetalware, woodware, glassware andstoneware. The objective was toprovide required knowledge andguidance to the stakeholders who areengaged in the segments in thisregion. With expert faculty,Dr. Tamanna Chaturvedi from IIFT,New Delhi, this was also addressedby Mr. Ravi K Passi, Chairman, EPCH;

Vice Chairmen, EPCH - Mr. Raj K Malhotra and Mr. Naved ur Rehman; Director General, EPCH, Dr. RakeshKumar; and Executive Director, EPCH, Mr. R K Verma. It was attended by member exporters from UttarPradesh and Delhi NCR including COA members of the Council. Attendees were guided on taking concreteaction and plan towards the shift in business brought about by the pandemic. Pointers shared were,focus on new markets like LAC and African countries, individual product segments, design development,planning future strategies to cope up with the handicrafts export target that may come about withbuyers shifting away from China, e-Commerce and post COVID handicraft export compliances.


Thinking Tommorow: Trends & Forecast-SS 2021 and Colour Palette-AW 2021/22This webinar on 11th April 2020, had among expert panelists, exportersrepresenting Jaipur, Jodhpur, Moradabad and North East Region like,Ms. Jesmina Zeliang, COA Member and Region Convenor-NER, EPCH;Mr. Gaurav Jain from Jodhpur; Mr. Naved-ur-Rehman, Vice Chairman,EPCH; Mr. Suneet Jain from Jodhpur; and Mr. Sanjeev Kahali an eminentdesigner & exporter from Jodhpur; as well as Dr. Rakesh Kumar, DirectorGeneral, EPCH; Mr. R K Verma, Executive Director, EPCH; Mr. RajeshRawat, Joint Director, EPCH; and Ms. Amla Srivastava, Head Designer,EPCH. EPCH announced plans for a virtual fair as a business platformas well as its Design Register to safeguard members' product designs.The webinar had a design presentation and inspiration for functional,utilitarian, sustainable, reusable and multi-functional products alongsidea clarion call to tap the domestic market and lessen its dependencyon imports. All panelists shared optimistism with planning andpreparedness, adoption of technology, usage of online marketingtools, digital marketing, diversification in terms of product/markets/countries/customers, photography of articles for sharing with customersand adopting COVID safety standards for products & work places.

Leadership and Strategy in “VUCA” WorldThis webinar on VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous)-a term used to describe market conditionsduring COVID, had guest faculty, Prof. (Dr.) S P Chauhan and Prof. (Dr.) Surabhi Goyal of (Institute)Faculty of Corporate Training and Development (FCTD); and Mr. Sanjay Nagi, Managing Director, Tomorrow'sMarket Innovators Pvt. Ltd. Moderated by Mr. Rajesh Rawat, Joint Director, EPCH, this was held on 13thApril 2020 and attended by member exporters including Mr. Ravi K Passi, Chairman, EPCH; Mr. R KMalhotra, Vice Chairman, EPCH; Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH; and Mr. R K Verma, ExecutiveDirector, EPCH. Calling VUCA a missile, the faculty suggested that methods to 'counterattack' it needto be devised with certain strategies like planning activities and timelines; working on new skills &innovative designs; deciding on priorities, taking up one problem/segment at a time; communicating

to bring back lost energy; unique leadership traits; psychologicalmeasures; responsibility, roles and resources. ‘COVID-19 Protected’standards being developed by EPCH when factories reopen were shared.

Risk Management with respect to ForeignExchange & Banking SolutionsThis webinar on 16th April 2020, addressed concerns towards marketconditions caused by the pandemic as well as unrest arising out offoreign exchange transactions and the need to hedge losses resultingfrom cancelled/postponed orders. With expert faculty, Mr. Nikhil Mehtaof SMC Global Securities Ltd., the panelists were, Mr. O P Prahladka,Regional Convenor (East), EPCH; and eminent member exporters fromNew Delhi, Moradabad, Greater Noida and Jodhpur like, Mr. D Kumar,Mr. Sharad Bansal, Mr. Vinod Singh Purohit and Mr. Vivek Vikas. Chairman,EPCH, Mr. Ravi K Passi; Director General, Dr. Rakesh Kumar; and ExecutiveDirector, Mr. R K Verma, attended and offered guidance. The panelistsshared their views on how forward booking of contracts is done bythem and how it is useful/challenging in these times with specificfocus on ‘roll-over’ policies of various banks.


Intellectual Property Rights(IPR) & Launch of Design RegisterThis webinar on 17th April 2020 was marked by a panel discussion by industry stalwarts and launch ofDesign Register - Design Register Service Platform conceptualised by EPCH for protecting designs ofits member exporters. Expert faculty, Mr. Ankit Sahni, a legal expert and practicing lawyer on the subjectspoke on trademarks, copyrights, patents, best practices, design registrations and explained about IPR,legal procedures as well as the relevance of design protection in the handicrafts sector. Industry stalwartsincluded Mr. Dileep Baid of Dileep Trading Corporation, Jaipur and COA Member, EPCH; Ms. RumaMalik, a well-known buying representative, Proprietor of Something Else and founder member of BuyingAgents Association, India; Mr. Rajan Agarwal from Rajan Overseas Inc., Moradabad; Ms. Nupur Batrafrom Accessories by Nupur, Noida; and Mr. Rahul Bhardwaj of R R Overseas, Moradabad. Mr. Ravi KPassi, Chairman, EPCH; Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH; and Mr. R K Verma, Executive Director,EPCH also graced the session. The need and relevance of incorporating best practice in Design RegisterService Platform was emphasised and the panelists expressed their appreciation & support to the dynamicmodel of the Design Register that features the exporters' as well as buyers' perspectives.

Picture Perfect Packaging Techniques & IdeasWith an expert faculty, Mr. Lalit MohanGupta from Package Design Research& Test Lab., Moradabad; andMr. Madhab Chakravorty from IndianInstitute of Packaging, New Delhi, thiswebinar on 21st April 2020, hadMr. Ravi K Passi, Chairman, EPCH;Mr. Raj K Malhotra, Vice Chairman,EPCH; Dr. Rakesh Kumar, DirectorGeneral, EPCH; and Mr. R K Verma,Executive Director, EPCH, amongpanelists and Mr. Gautam Nathani fromSeet Kamal International, Jaipur;Mr. Neeraj Khanna from Nodi Exports,

Moradabad; Mr. R B Lahoti from Richie Bags & Fashions Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata; and Mr. Arshad Mir from MirHandicrafts, New Delhi, among practical experts. Attendees learnt about quality and cost reductionconcepts in packaging with reference to quality, presentation and competitive costs; eco-friendly packaging& labeling as per pre-requisites of buyers; influence of recent research on moisture absorption paperin high humidity conditions; cost effective yet appealing eco-friendly cushioning; Edge Crush Test (ECT);branding in packaging, labeling, etc.; and classification of handicraft products for moisture protection.Many examples and ideas were shared by the panelists and practical experts in the interactions thatfollowed. A Q&A session thereafter offered further clarity.

Reimagining the World: Comprehending Tomorrow’s Challenge forthe Handicraft’s Sector - Generation Next’s PerspectiveAgainst the backdrop of the disruptions caused by the pandemic, the need to think out of the box andturn attention to the next generation entrepreneurs, this webinar on 23rd April 2020, had esteemedyoung panelists, providing insight on their understanding of what to expect and how to move forward.Very engaging throughout, this session was attended by several member exporters including Mr. RaviK Passi, Chairman, EPCH; Mr. Raj K Malhotra, Vice Chairman, EPCH; Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General,EPCH; and Mr. R K Verma, Executive Director, EPCH. The panelists were 1st, 2nd and 3rd generationmember exporters from across India. They shared their learning from the older generation(s), their owninnovative ideas, experiences & challenges in exports of handicrafts and how they are planning to copeup in the pandemic widespread situation as well as their future business strategies.


The Neo Normal: A post-pandemic forecastof handicraft and lifestyle products for 2021This webinar on 24th April 2020, was an illustrated insight into anew approach to product innovation and presentation with designperspectives and practical directions for product making by expertfaculty, Futurist & Academician-Dr. Kaustav SenGupta; and industrypanelists like COA Member, Mr. Prince Malik from Osyrus Overseas;Mr. Rukshad Bhagwagar from Forms, Nagpur; COA Member,Mr. Simrandeep Singh Kohli from Sehaj Impex, New Delhi; andMr. Puneet Ahuja from Ahujasons, New Delhi. The faculty spoke oflife changing philosophies that this pandemic has brought about.Members learnt that with change in social norms and habits, needfor space within spaces, virtual becoming more real, etc. people willincline towards things that will take time to create like handmade,hand painted, handcrafted, etc. as well as products that remind themof home, comfort, assurance and spending quality time with family.

International Trade Risk Mitigation throughECGCECGC stepped up to support the Indian export industry during the pandemic by providing policyholdersrelief measures like time limit extensions; waivers and reductions in fees; discretion to categorise unclearedshipments and more. This webinar on 28th April 2020 was organised to update EPCH member exporterson international trade risk mitigation through ECGC and also provide a Q&A session with Mr. SaurabhSrivastava, Branch Manager, ECGC, Delhi. Moderated by Mr. Rajesh Rawat, Joint Director, EPCH, thiswebinar saw the presence of Chairman, EPCH, Mr. Ravi K Passi; Vice Chairman, EPCH, Mr. Raj K Malhotra;and Executive Director, EPCH, Mr. R K Verma. Trade panelists included Mr. Rajesh Kumar Jain, President,Social Media, EPCH; Mr. Nabeel Ahmad, COA Member, EPCH; Mr. Rishi Tulsyan of Deco De Trend, Chennai;and Mr. Ijlal Shamsi of Paramount Home Collections, Moradabad.

GST: Minimising the Tax Burden -Interpreting the latest important changesin GSTIn order to apprise member exporters regarding various reliefs interms of filing of GST returns and also to answer their queries on thesubject, this webinar was organised on 1st May 2020, with Mr. DheerajRastogi (IRS), Joint Secretary, GST Network; and Mr. Manoj Goyal,Chartered Accountant, M/s RHMS & Company, as key speakers andMr. K L Ramesh from SRI Vijayalakshmi Agarbathi Works, Bangalore;Mr. Naresh Bothra from Bothra International, Jodhpur; and Mr. MukeshBansal from Transparent Overseas, Firozabad, as trade panelists. Thiswas attended by many member exporters including Mr. Ravi K Passi,Chairman, EPCH; Mr. Raj K Malhotra, Vice Chairman, EPCH; Dr. RakeshKumar, Director General, EPCH; and Mr. R K Verma, Executive Director,EPCH. Attendees learnt about the various notifications issued by theGovt. of India related to GST to help member exporters, with recentupdates, rule changes and amendments. Practical issues due to theseorders were conveyed to Mr. Dheeraj Rastogi and he offered explanationsand clarifications.


Positivity and Well being - Wellnessthrough WillingnessWith expert faculty, Dr. Era Dutta, MD, Psychiatry & MBBS, a winnerof Torrent Young Psychiatrists award and Consultant Neuropsychiatrist& Life Wellness Coach from Fortis Healthcare, Kolkata, this webinaron 5th May 2020 was also addressed by Mr. Ravi K Passi, Chairman,EPCH; practical experts from the industry - Mr. O P Prahladka, COAMember, EPCH and owner of Hitaishi KK Manfacturing Co. Pvt.Ltd., Kolkata; Mr. Prince Malik, COA Member, EPCH and owner ofOsyrus Overseas, New Delhi; and Mr. Avdesh Agarwal, owner ofShree Sai De Art, Moradabad; and Executive Director, EPCH,Mr. R K Verma. Through a vibrant interactive session, attendeeslearnt on the need to remain focused and positive during the pandemictimes, introspect and prioritise things in one's life so as to overcomechallenges and live with limited resources. Besides offeringsuggestions, practical experts unanimously agreed on rejuvenatingtools and mood enhancing activities like gardening, physical exercise,spirituality, community/animal welfare. Mr. R K Verma, ExecutiveDirector, EPCH, shared the silver lining of being innovative andthinking beyond limitations giving an example of virtual mode oftrade shows that the Council launched thereafter.

Fashion Unstoppable: Challenges and Opportunities for theFashion Jewellery and Accessories Segment

This webinar sought to address issuesfaced by the fashion jewellery &accessories segment in the wake ofthe lockdown situation and announceEPCH’s first and the nation’s first evervirtual trade show - IFJAS virtual. Wellattended by several member exportersfrom different parts of the country,especially from the fashion jewellery& accessories segment, this webinaron 7th May 2020, had practical expertsamong panelists - exporters from thesector who have been in this businesssince 2 decades or more - Mr. Sagar

Mehta from QTL Export House, New Delhi; Mr. Pradeep Muchala, Muchala NV, Mumbai; Mr. SimrandeepSingh Kohli, Sehaj Impex, New Delhi; Mrs. Neetu Singh, Sini Designs Pvt. Ltd., Noida; Mr. J P Singh,Kenway Sartaj Worldwide, Moradabad; Ms. Monika Ailawadi, Mangoes Industries Pvt. Ltd., Gurgaon;Mr. Vineet Kumar Bhatia, Beads Kingdom, New Delhi; Mr. Deepak Gupta, Dee Gee’s Creations, NewDelhi; and Mr. Vipin Guglani, NC Needle Crafts Pvt. Ltd., Noida. This was moderated by Mr. Rajesh Rawat,Joint Director, EPCH and was graced by Mr. Ravi K Passi, Chairman, EPCH; Mr. Raj K Malhotra, ViceChairman, EPCH; Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH; and Mr. R K Verma, Executive Director, EPCH.Pros and cons of the situation ranging from challenges like buyers rolling back points of sales, businessterms being renegotiated, orders getting either delayed or cancelled, labour scarcity, strict complianceregulations, etc. and benefits in the form of opportunites in the fashion/imitation jewellery vis-a-vissemi-precious and precious jewellery segment as well as alternatives to China as a supplier, were shared.Ideas and suggestions for the way ahead were discussed with emphasis on new approaches, practicaldesigns, cost saving initiatives, compliance and familiarisation with technology to stay afloat.


Picking up the Threads:Revival Plan forFurnishings, HomeTextiles & FloorCoveringsModerated by Mr. Rajesh Rawat, JointDirector, EPCH, this webinar on 13thMay 2020, was attended by manymember exporters including Mr. RaviK Passi, Chairman, EPCH; Mr. R KMalhotra, Vice Chairman, EPCH;Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH; and Mr. R K Verma, Executive Director, EPCH. Seeking toaddress issues faced by the home furnishings and home textiles segment in the wake of the lockdown,the webinar had Ms. Christine Rai, Indian Inc., New Delhi and Chairperson, Buying Agents Association(BAA); Mr. K N Prabhu, Paradigm International, Karur and immediate past Chairman, Handloom ExportPromotion Council (HEPC); Mr. Sunit K Jain, Ratan Textiles Pvt. Ltd., Jaipur; Mr. Vinay Kanodia, KanodiaGlobal Pvt. Ltd., Panipat; Mr. Ahmed Sundarani, Shahenaz Exports, Mumbai; Mr. Naveen Surana, NavkarHome, Bikaner; and Ms. Manidipa Guha, Diversified Products Division, Gloster Ltd., Kolkata, among panelists.The discussion aimed at adapting to new technology fast with online presence as well as strategisingnew ways of doing business and look for alternatives in the 'new normal' like shrinking businesses andgrowing them back based India's USP of being "hugely creative", dealing with workforce scarcity; divertingshipments; looking at catering to the domestic market; reaching out to the Govt. departments; andparticipating in EPCH virtual shows that are "the need of the hour". Exporters were urged to look beyondwhat they can do to protect businesses and keep them going. IHGF Textiles Virtual was announced.

Reset-Recover-Revive: Post COVID-19 Domestic Retail & e-CommerceThis webinar on domestic retail &e-Commerce post Covid 19 broughtforth an interesting panel discussionby several stalwarts of the Indian retailindustry with ‘Reset, Recover andRediscover’ with digital transformation,as the key elements of the new wayof life. Held on 14th May 2020, thiswas moderated by Mr. Karan Jethwani,EPCH's Convenor for Domestic Retail& e-Commerce Promotions quotedexamples of domestic retail volumemanufacturers and established playersin the field to portray the strength and

business potential of the sector. This was attended by member exporters from across India along withMr. Ravi K Passi, Chairman, EPCH; Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH; and Mr. R K Verma, ExecutiveDirector, EPCH. Several insightful and inspiring views on individual success journeys, doing business,potential categories in the home segment for e-Commerce, Omni channel and the digital transformation,sourcing from EPCH member exporters, attending IHGF Delhi Fair, etc. came from the panelists like,Mr. Ashish Goel, Co-Founder & CEO, Urban Ladder; Mr. Rajesh Mahajan, Owner, Maspar Industries Pvt.Ltd.; Mr. Ajay Kapoor, President, Retail, Fabindia Retail; Mr. C K Nair, ex-Shoppers Stop and SAARCRepresentative, International Houseware Association; Ms. Shalini Tandon, Trading Head, Home Stop-Division of Shoppers Stop; Mr. Mahesh M., Convenor-Home & Home + Conclave 2020, CEO-Creaticity;and Mr. Nitin Jain, J. Nitin Global, INV Home, HOME4U.IN.


The Neo Agility : PostCOVID ConsumerMindsets and DesignDirectionThis webinar on 3rd June 2020 wasfacilitated by expert panelist,Dr. Kaustav SenGupta, Futurist &Academician and attended by memberexporters from across India includingMr. Ravi K Passi, Chairman, EPCH;Mr. Raj K Malhotra, Vice Chairman,EPCH; Mr. R K Verma, Executive Director,EPCH; and Mr. Rajesh Rawat, Joint Director, EPCH, besides leading exporters from the fashion jewellery& accessories segment. They benefited from details on trends; life changing philosophies and mind setsthat the pandemic has brought upon like change in social norms and habits; need for space withinspaces and virtual becoming more real; demand for handmade, hand painted and handcrafte, etc. Designdirections and inspirations with case studies and design ideas that can be taken forward were alsodiscussed. It was emphasised how, with change in social norms and habits, need for space within spaces,virtual becoming more real, etc. people will incline towards things that will take time to create likehandmade, hand painted, handcrafted, etc.

Resolving Buyer-Shipping Line-Buying Agent-Exporter GrievancesThis webinar on 3rd June 2020 was organised in association with Federation of Buying Agents and aimedat resolving buyer-shipping line-buying agent-exporter grievances. The speaker, Mr. Lokesh Parasharfrom Adkindia LLC underlined the role of buying agents in international trade and how their presencein the export chain can increase the order booking of exporters, servicing them and their buyers onorder booking, processing and even in settling disputes related especially to cargo damage, non-paymenton the part of customers for varied reasons and false claims on the part of buyers to decline payments.The speaker also offered a brief introduction of Federation of Buying Agents and their services.

Digital Marketing : Winning big withTechnologyThis webinar on 4th June 2020 aimed at making its audience understandthat digital marketing is the way forward so it's crucial to embraceit. They were guided to generate abundance of leads/inquiries usingLinkedIn Marketing, create content for digital marketing, deliver &amplify one's marketing message to targeted customers, take chargeof building blocks of global sales, increase lead conversions drasticallyand consistently keep adding new customers. The expert panelist,digital marketing expert, published author and EPCH member exporter,Mr. Anuj Khanna, co-owner & CEO, Sava International, Gurgaon, sharedbenefits of the extended reach of online marketing. He suggestedon focus areas, building blocks of sales, checklist of social platformsfor effective online presence, content marketing strategy as well asdelivery & amplification of content(for prospective clients) and thenfollow-up. He also explained about the buying cycle and how buyersevaluate a company, work with it, refer it to others, etc.


Sustainable Textiles & Home Accents-Trends& Spaces for growthThis webinar on 12th June 2020 was attended by member exportersfrom PAN India with guest panelists - Mr. Deepak Gaba, Founderand CEO of 3S; Mrs.Fiona Caulfield, an experienced senior buyer andretail strategist; and Mr. Jayesh Saxena with a varied experience ofworking with many textile mills in India. Against the background oflife and world coming to a halt with retail getting deeply affected,the panelists pointed out to the silver lining - the earth healing andMother Nature taking over, offering hope & solace and an increasinginclination of people finding peace in natural and sustainable thingsas well as "choosing things differently", leading to an emergenceof 'green spaces'; the 5C's of Happy Business i.e. Customer, Competence,Creativity, Care and Consciousness; consumers wanting to decoratethem; and emphatic re-emergence of sustainability textiles; and leanprocesses and systems that position one for agile risk assessmentand management to bring competencies in cost and quality.

Online Businesses for Home & Lifestyle -Pitfalls and How to SucceedThis webinar on 16th June 2020 aimed at making the audience understand the online business market,its strong players, competition as well as carving one's niche amidst it all. Guest panelists, Mr. DeepakGaba, Founder and CEO of 3S; and Mrs. Monika Simon, Founder & CEO, Carla & Marge, informed howonline businesses have given tough competition to brick & mortar stores with key ingredients for successlike vision, passion, values, team, mission and action with focus on business model, solution, brand,market segment, customer and competition landscape. Examples were shared along with trends anddrivers for such businesses especially in furniture like, ready to assemble, small space solutions, multi-functional capabilities, tech embedded products, eco-friendly material, sustainability, design and influence.Customer selection, Channel selection, Target audience, Channel partner, Product mix, Budgeting, Sourcing,Product development, Logistics, Quality Assurance and compliances, were also explained with examples.

Poly 9: 3D & Artificial IntelligenceModerated by Ms. Anchal Kansal, General Secretary, BuyingAgents Association of India (BAA) and Mr. Rajesh Rawat, JointDirector, EPCH, this webinar on 1st July 2020 was well attendedby many member exporters alongwith Mr. Ravi K Passi, Chairman,EPCH and members of Committee of Administration. This wasgraced by Ms. Christine Rai, Chief Patron, BAA and Mr. VishalDhingra, Chairman, BAA. Guest Faculty, Mr. Rohit Kuthiala, ChiefBusiness Officer from Poly9, made an informative presentationon Poly9 - a technology powered platform that enables retailersto get new products to market using Artificial Intelligence and3D technologies, and is over 50% faster and while increasinge-commerce revenue & profitability. Poly9 has been workingclosely with BAA and EPCH to bring this platform to buyingagencies, their suppliers and buyers through a unique partnership.Against the background of the pandemic, this came as a viableoption to take products to the market. The panelists from BAAendorsed the platform based on their user experience.


Efficient Production : Cost, Cash Flow and Customer DemandThrough this webinar on 8th July 2020, member exporters learnt about the importance of six sigma,especially in today's times, for reducing cost and attaining optimisation in manufacturing processes.Expert panelists from Bizkraft, Mr. Nitin Dixit, Lean six sigma master and quality auditor with his associate,Mr. Manoj Agarwal, LSS master, described the process and strategies detailing on customer segmentation,product portfolio management and value proposition with cost optimisation strategies in 5 steps -Focus approach - target customers based on the strengths of the organisation; Identify what the customerreally wants in the product; Make the waste visible in terms of money; Map the value stream; Reset themanufacturing layout and accountabilities to conserve cash flow; and finally, Complex scheduling andimproving. Mr. Raj K Malhotra, Vice Chairman-EPCH; and Mr. Neeraj Khanna, President, IHGF Delhi Fair-Virtual 2020 also addressed the participants and shared their vast experience in the industry.

Deep Dive Insights - Online Masterclass forGen Next: mapping post-pandemic trendsThis webinar on 11th July 2020, with expert panelist, Futurist &Academician, Dr. Kaustav SenGupta, was an online Masterclass forthe gen next to map post-pandemic trends. The gen next panelistsfrom the industry were, Ms. Veenam Shankhdhar of DBA Exports Pvt.ltd., Moradabad; Mr. Rishabh Bhansali of Mani Art, Jodhpur; Ms. KiratdeepKaur of Swift corporation, Gurugram; and Mr. Aditiya Vikas Aggarwalof Vikas Exports, New Delhi. They presented their product/specificindustry segment views on woodware, artmetalware, jewellery, etc.New trends in handicraft product design were also discussed withemphasis on the functional and the typical consumer mindsets incubatedby the pandemic restrictions. Trend themes with illustrative examplesand case studies made the webinar very engaging.

Insights : Arts and Crafts in Indian Culture;Scandinavian DesignThis webinar on 14th July 2020, had two expert panelists - Dr. Pushpa

Tiwari, Professor & Former Head of Deptt. of AncientHistory, Culture & Archaeology, University of Allahabad,speaking on "Arts & Crafts in Indian Culture - continuityof shilp as a continuing tradition"; and Ms. SusannaBjorklund, Trend Analyst, Ennetool, Finland, speakingon "Scandivanian Design - where is it going?" Theparticipants renewed their knowledge about Indianhandicrafts, its richness, sheer variety, underlyingsymbology and how they all present a kaleidoscopeof our cultural beliefs, and potential for widerpatronage. Ms. Susanna Bjorklund spoke on the currentsituation and its 'Pros' like : new innovations; newbusinesses; more flexible business models, new servicesand ways to do business; creating new products &aiming for new markets; looking for new value chains;building new supply chains; improving companies'resilience; and building companies' productdevelopment as agile as possible.


Mapping Success : The NewExpectations of American Buyersand ConsumersThis webinar on 16th July 2020 was addressed by Mr. TomMirabile, Principal and Founder of Springboard Futures,Global Consumer Trend Forecaster for the InternationalHousewares Association and a Contributing Editor forPantone. Through his illustrated presentation, memberexporters learnt of how the US markets are shifting, leadingto unique opportunities for India, provided there isinfrastructure to support it as a lot of American buyersand companies are considering expanded trade with India.Assets India has are in terms of craftsmanship and skills,storytelling as well as emerging technologies that arevery valuable right now. The faculty guided on mappingthe road to 2030 with consumer insights and spoke aboutthe 'Intangibles' that matter most to consumers - time,space, health & wellness, flexibility, safety, sustainability,convenience, experience, identity & status.

Transform or Perish : MonetiseTechnology - automate to growyour businessThis webinar on 9th September 2020, highlighted the roleof technology in the business landscape and how it hasbecome indispensible, making IT experts largely attributedto the changing dynamics at the organisational level. Theseexperts are becoming crucial given their capacity to helpa business maintain its competitive edge. Technology expertand serial entrepreneur, Mr. Sanjeev Jain, guest speakerat the webinar spoke on how the pandemic has taughtus the importance of technology, the future has changedand being tech savvy is the new demand in current marketsituation. He elaborated on the 4 R's of transformation-Rethink, Reimagine Reprocess and Reskill. This was wellattended by member exporters from different parts of thecountry along with Mr. Ravi K Passi, Chairman, EPCH;Mr. Raj K Malhotra, Vice Chairman, EPCH; Dr. Rakesh Kumar,Director General, EPCH; Mr. R K Verma, Executive Director,EPCH; members of Committee of Administration, EPCH;and Joint Director, EPCH, Mr. Rajesh Rawat.

RoDTEP Scheme : Preparation of data for Scheme for Remission ofDuties and Taxes on Exported ProductsThis webinar on 18th September 2020, aimed to update member exporters on the RoDTEP scheme thatreplaced the MEIS scheme and how it would be notified in a phased manner and accordingly itemswould be shifted from the existing scheme to the new with proper monitoring & audit mechanism. Theincentives thus received from the government would help exporters to recover their costs and maketheir products price competitive in the global market. Key features of the scheme, requisite data for the


same as per Govt. formats and the difference between MEISand RoDTEP were discussed. Expert panelist Mr. N K Chopra,Managing Director, ICCH Global Consulting Pvt. Ltd. and hisassociates - Mr. Pankush Arora and Mr. Vineet Sharma explainedthe scheme in detail. This was well attended by many memberexporters along with Mr. Ravi K Passi, Chairman, EPCH;Mr. Raj K Malhotra, Vice Chairman, EPCH; Mr, R K Verma,Executive Director, EPCH; members of Committee ofAdministration, EPCH; and Joint Director, EPCH, Mr. RajeshRawat.

Start Selling from India to the World:Building Capabilities for aDigital WorldThis webinar on 20th October 2020 was well attended bymember exporters from PAN India along with Mr. Ravi KPassi, Chairman, EPCH; Mr. Kamal Soni, Vice Chairman, EPCH;and Mr. Rajesh Rawat, Joint Director, EPCH. The expertpanelist was Ms. Nickhie Antony, Business Head for Jewelleryand Softlines categories for the IN to US Arch in the Global Trade team of Amazon. Participants learntabout e-Commerce export opportunities available for Indian MSME's to top destinations like USA, UK,France, Spain, Japan, etc. in categories of textiles, jewellery, toys, sports, etc. In her presentationMs. Antony showed how Amazon can be used by Indian manufacturers for global selling and also showedsome of the government support for facilitating e-Commerce exports by MSMEs.

Sustainable Fashion : Why is it the Future?This webinar on 22nd October 2020, had NIFT alumna, Ms. Ankita S. Pandey, Associate Professor fromSharda University as the expert panelist.It was discussed that sustainable fashion is a movement andprocess of fostering change to fashion products and the fashion system towards greater ecologicalintegrity and social justice. It concerns more than just addressing fashion textiles or products and dealingwith interdependent social, cultural, ecological, and financial systems. Manufacturers should collaboratewith each other to reduce costs, brands can join forces to solve common problems, drawing on eachother's expertise to get the industry to the place it needs to be. Sustainable trends too were emphasised.

Quick Ways to Optimise Forex Operations in Turbulent TimesAimed to highlight the importance ofmanagement and optimisation of forexoperation in export business in rapidmarket changes amidst the pandemic,this webinar on 27th October 2020,was facilitated by Mr. Anand Tandon,an ex-banker with 20+ years ofexperience in Treasury Managementand Founder and Chief Executive Officer,myforexeye and Mr. Ritesh Victor, anex-Chief Treasury Officer with 20 yearsof experience in Forex & TreasuryManagement and Technical Analysis,


Country Head - Market Risk Advisory and Skills Development, myforexeye. Pre-covid and post-covidforex dynamics were analysed and benefits of hedging and benchmarking of forex currency was shared.A demonstration of myforexeye app was also offered.

New Product Development through User InnovationThis webinar on 22nd December 2020 was organised for member exporters in the Western Region fordiscussions on new product development through user innovation. Panelists were, Mr. Ashok Boob, Convenor,EPCH Western Region; Mr. Pradeep Muchhala, Co-opted COA Member, EPCH; and prominent memberexporters from Mumbai - Mr. Sunil Ahuja, Mr. Amir Zaveri, Mr. Deepak Shah, Mr. Karan Jethwani andMr. Ahmed Sundrani. It was addressed by guest faculty, Prof. Shrinivas S Shikaripurkar, marketing strategyconsultant & adjunct faculty with SP Jain & NMIMS. He highlighted the core concepts of New ProductDevelopment by taking the participants through the various process steps right from understanding ofcustomer needs all the way to product maintenance & extension. A new concept of "User Innovation"was introduced by the faculty that highlighted the approach of pursuing an innovation by users or consumerusers, rather than by suppliers. The session ended with a Case Study presentation of User Innovation inthe United States being driven by consumers for a change.

Safety Standards for Toy Industries of RajasthanThe Ministry of MSME organised a webinar on Safety Standards for Toy Industries of Rajasthan on 26thNovember 2020, wherein EPCH was invited as Special Addressee. Mr. Lekhraj Maheshwari, RegionalConvenor and COA Member, EPCH, represented the Council. He conveyed the activities being carriedout EPCH for the development of artisan clusters and SME entrepreneurs with emphasis on enhancingexisting skills with design & technology interventions in toys clusters across the country, with specificmention of activities in Rajasthan region. He urged the Rajasthan Government to introduce a handicraftspolicy and financial support scheme for the benefit of artisans and entrepreneurs in the toys sector.Various other trade organisations also participated in the webinar.

MSME Schemes to promote and support exportersThis interactive webinar was organisedon 30th December 2020, to inform andeducate member exporters in theEastern Region about the variousMSME Schemes available to promoteand support exporters. Panelists were,Mr. K D Bhattacharya, Director, MSME- DI Kolkata; Mr. D Mitra, Dy. Director,MSME - DI, Kolkata; Mr. AnuragShrivastava, IAS, Director, Dept. ofMSME, Govt. of West Bengal; Mr. B KDash, Director, Directorate ofHandicrafts & Cottage Industries, Govt.of Odisha; Mr. Amulya Panda,Dy. Director, Dept of Industries, Govt.of Odisha; Mr. O P Prahladka, COA Member & ER Regional Convenor, EPCH. The dignitaries discussedabout the various schemes available for funding of MSME industry with special focus on the handicraftsindustry. The Department representatives were updated on various issues faced by the industry in termsof infrastructure, raw material availability, unorganisation, etc. It was suggested that the States' Directors(WB & Odisha) facilitate development of natural fibres, wooden furnitue, jewellery, etc. clusters to promoteexport of handicrafts from the Eastern Region.


GST Refund & recently launched QRMP Scheme for Tax PayersThis webinar on 8th January 2021, appraised member exporters in the Eastern Region on refund claimsavailable under the GST legislation, about the newly launched Quarterly Return Monthly Payment Scheme(QRMP), new GST related updates and also answered their queries. Benefits of QRMP Scheme and howit allows taxpayers to file GSTR-3B every quarter and pay tax every month, was also explained. Keyspeakers were Mr. Joyjit Banik, Joint Commissioner of Revenue, O/o Directorate of Commercial Taxes,Govt of West Bengal; Mr. Subir Kumar Ghosh, Deputy Commissioner of Revenue, O/o Directorate ofCommercial Taxes, Govt of West Bengal; Mr. Ankan Bose, Superintendent, Statistical Section,O/o Pr. Chief Commissioner, CGST & CX, Kolkata Zone, Govt of India; Mr. Deshdulal Chatterjee, Superintendent,O/o Pr. Chief Commissioner, CGST & CX, Kolkata Zone, Govt of India; Mr. Partha Santra, Superintendent,Kolkata Audit - 1, O/o Pr. Chief Commissioner, CGST & CX, Kolkata Zone, govt of India; and Mr. O PPrahladka, Chairman HCSSC & Regional Convenor, EPCH.

Export Credit Risk Management & Schemes of ECGC Ltd.This webinar held for member exporters in Kolkata on 15th January 2021 and for Moradabad on 22ndJanuary 2021, offered an interactive session on the practical aspects of availing ECGC's services andwas addressed by an ECGC Branch Manager. Present were, Regional Convenors, COA members and leadingexporters of the regions including Mr. O P Prahladka, COA Member & Eastern Region Convenor, EPCH;and Mr. Kamal Soni, Vice Chairman, EPCH. Challenges faced by the handicrafts sector and necessity ofopting for ECGC policy as desired by banks to facilitate exports was shared. Participants were apprisedof various products of ECGC Ltd. available depending on the type of coverage required ranging fromcovers to encourage MSMEs and large exporters to covers for specific buyer, consignment exports, services,specific or all transactions. In a detailed interaction that ensued, issues faced by EPCH members withECGC Claims such as Claim settlement rate of interest, status of buyers financial situation at the time ofpolicy issued, clarity on the claim disbursement on certain cases were raised and clarified.

One District One Product Schemes for Handicraft ExportersOrganised on 16th January, this webinarwas informative with the presence ofMr. Anuj Kumar, Joint CommissionerIndustries, and GM DIC, Moradabad.He shared about schemes under ODOP(One District One Product) devised forMSMEs to support enterprises, bothin domestic and foreign markets inmarketing efforts like, Common FacilityCentres; Marketing DevelopmentAssistance Scheme; Finance AssistanceSchemes (Margin Money Schemes); andSkill Development Schemes. Eligibilitycriteria / financial support/ training

and stipend to trainees were explained in detail alongwith how they can encourage enterprises andMSMEs to come up with innovative ideas & solutions for building a new India.The session had the virtualpresence of Mr. Kamal Soni, Vice Chairman, EPCH; Mr. Nabeel Ahmed, Member, COA Member and ConvenorCR; Mr. Avdesh Agarwal, Coordinator- EPCH-Regional Committee, Uttar Pradesh; Mr. Mohd. Ausaf, JointConvenor, CR Regional Committee, Saharanpur; Mr. Ramji Suneja, Member CR Regional Committee,Saharanpur; Mr. Naveen Gaur, Assistant Director and Regional In charge-CR, EPCH; and member exportersfrom different parts of Uttar Pradesh. They raised various issues and queries related to the schemes andMr. Anuj Kumar clarified them.


Effectively Positioning Products in Markets WorldwideThis webinar, organised for the New Delhi Region on 22nd January 2021, was facilitated by expert faculty,Prof. (Dr.) Ram Singh, Senior Professor of Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) and attended by manyleading member exporters of the city. The session was instrumental in guiding attendees on MarketPositioning-the ability to influence consumer perception regarding a brand/product, relative to competitorsas well as the objective of market positioning-to establish the image or identity of a brand/product sothat consumers perceive it in a certain way. The concept was well explained with examples and Dr. Singhguided the participants on positioning their products as per customers' preferences, keeping in view thecultural and religious sentiments of the target country.

Trend ForecastWebinars with eminent designconsultants from WGSN were organisedto appraise member exporters onupcoming trends for various seasons.Broad product segments wereaddressed in each session with detailson product design and developmentby Ms. Urvashi Gupta, Ms. NishthaDuseja, Ms. Tripti Tiwari, Dominatedby the Psychology of Cocooning,Connected and Resourcefulness asmajor trends with the concept of HomeSanctuary, the demand for functional,utilitarian, sustainable and reusable

products fitting to a transformed way of living and consuming products & service was explained. Attendeesalso got an insight into trend capsules for wellness products with focus on sustainability and ergonomics.Session details:

2nd November 2020: Spring/Summer 2021-Furniture & Lighting; 28th January 2021: Spring/Summer 2022-Textiles; 12th February 2021: Spring/Summer 2022-Lifestyle- Home Decor, Garden Accessories, Lamps& Lighting; 26th February 2021: Spring/Summer 2022-Fashion- Jewellery & Accessories; 12th March2021: Spring/Summer 2022-Home.

Goods and Service Tax - Latest AmendmentsIn order to apprise member exporters in the New Delhi Region on the latest amendments on GST andalso to answer their queries on the subject, this webinar was organised on 19th February 2021, withMr. Manoj Goyal, Chartered Accountantas key faculty. He elaborated on thelatest KEY amendments and provisionof CGST Act'2017 and explained thenew provision of appeals to appellateauthority. He further informed therelevant notifications of GSTamendments for information of memberexporters. Mr. Ravi K Passi, Chairman-EPCH; Mr. Raj Kumar Malhotra, Vice-Chairman-EPCH; Mr. Rajesh Jain,Co-opted COA Member, EPCH; andmember exporters attended.


Road to Recovery - Consumer MindsetThis webinar on 19th March 2021, wasaimed at guiding member exporterson trends and design directions withfocus on the COVID phase consumermindset. Mr. Ravi K Passi, Chairman,EPCH; Mr. Arshad Mir, COA Member,EPCH; and a large number of leadingmember exporters along with keyfaculty, Ms. Amla Srivastava, HeadDesigner, EPCH, were present. Thepresentation helped understand thatnow the challenge is not just to stand-out, but to pivot, innovate and transform- buzzwords to be a leader in helpingcustomers get back on their feet. With the Home Hub becoming the homebody hub with a lasting impacton the lifestyle and interiors markets, trends would move to be individualistic. Latest trends and newmulti utility products in all the categories of handicrafts of member exporters' interest were shared.

Panel Discussion : Technology Today -Merging the world of craft,design and scienceOrganised by EPCH in association with in Buying AgentsAssociation of India (BAA), this panel discussion on 2nd June2020, was graced by Ms. Christine Rai, Patron-in-Chief, BAAand had as panelists, Ms. Rohini Suri, Member-Governing Body,Buying Agents Association; Ms. Priya Sachdeva, Director, IwatonConsultancy; Ms. Nupur Batra, Founder, Designer, Craft basedlabel- Ananya; Mr. Anil Bose, Deputy HOD, Arch College ofDesign and Business, Jaipur; Ms. Anuva Baid, Owner, Anuva(Dileep Industries); and Mr. Karan Ahuja, Director, Ahujasons.The insightful discussion focused on fashion jewellery &accessories. Participants learnt about softwares being usedfor communication and information exchange between buyersand manufacturers in the environment of travel restrictions;trends for Spring Summer 2021 indicating fabric masks, artisanalcrafts, etc.; and importance of technology as an enabler formanufacturers throughout the process. Industry panelists sharedtheir experience about hands-on use of technology for newproduct and process development, technology shift in designdevelopment, virtual catalogues, etc.; visual designcommunication; virtual meetings; and clarity on virtual fairs.

Panel Discussion on Sourcing India: The Awakened Tiger -Overseas Buyers seeing India as a Sourcing DestinationIn light of the pandemic effected global trade environment, this panel discussion on 15th July 2020,jointly organised with Buying Agents Association of India (BAA), aimed to bring forth ideas on howIndia would position itself as the key player in the supplies of home, lifestyle, fashion, furniture andtextile products to the world. An August gathering of senior representatives from the Govt.of India and


Indian Missions overseas, theindustry & trade, EPCH, BuyingAgents Association of India(BAA) and eminent buyersfrom various internationalmarkets who have been workingwith Indian manufacturers,formed the panel. Thedistinguished speakers were :Chief Guest, Mr. Shantmanu,Development Commissioner(Handicrafts); Mr. Sudhir Garg,Joint Secretary, MSME; Mr. AjayKumar Srivastava, Addl. DGFT,Ministry of Commerce &Industries; Dr. Manoj K Mahapatra, Minister (Commerce), Embassy of India, Washington DC; Mr. ManjishGrover, Consul Commerce & Trade, CGI Vancouver, Canada; Mr. Alberto Gustavo Porcel, President, IndiaArgentina Friendship Society; Mr. David Moons, President, GFH Enterprises Inc, USA; Ms. Tamra Bryant,Sr. Vice President Product & Merchandising Creative Co-op, USA; Mr. Atick Nilesh Barreto, buyer fromBrazil; Mr. Tim Oaks, Vice President, Sourcing & Asia Organisation; Mr. George Messing, Managing Director,Fink, GMBH & Co. Germany; Mr. Ravi K. Passi, Chairman, EPCH; Mr. Neeraj Khanna, President, IHGF-DelhiFair - Virtual 2020; Mr. Vishal Dhingra, Chairman, BAA; Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH;Mr. R K Verma, Executive Director, EPCH; Dr. Tamanna Chaturvedi, Consultant, Indian Institute of ForeignTrade (IIFT), New Delhi; and Ms. Anchal Kansal, General Secretary, BAA - moderator of the discussion.A background of the region-wise Indian industry in various handcrafted products was presented followedby a discussion as to what companies can source from India, focusing on five sectors where India hasdefined strengths in several sub-categories with unique product lines - Home, Fashion, Lifestyle, Textilesand Furniture. India's strengths in the various sectors and the 'advantage' it gets in the scenario wasemphasised. Overseas buyers shared their experiences on working with Indian exporters and problemsbeing encountered so that the handicrafts exporting community could make itself ready and improveupon the same to present India as a major sourcing hub in the near future.

Panel Discussion : Bamboo Handicrafts Marketing, Design & Skillingfor Sustainable Development & LivelihoodThis panel discussion on 6th November 2020, was organised with an aim to share thoughts and exchangeideas on bamboo's important role in development of domestic as well as international economics; design

potential of bamboo crafts withits wide raw material variety withinterventions by EPCH and NID;empowering artisans with skilltraining, packaging techniques andregulatory compliances; cultivationof bamboo wood for raw material;and finally, the unexploredcommercial viability aspects of themedium. EPCH's role in activelypromoting bamboo craft exportsespecially from the NER, providingopportunities to a large numberof artisans, entrepreneurs andexporters involved in the processand also offering proper hand-


holding for new product development, product design and new market access through domestic andinternational platforms, was also shared. Panelists were, Mr. Ravi K Passi, Chairman, EPCH; Dr. Alka Bhargava(IFS), Addl. Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmer Welfare; Mr. O P Prahladka,Chairman, HCSSC; Mr. Vishal Dhingra, President, BAA; Ms. Jesmina Zeliang, COA Member, EPCH;Dr. Arun Kumar Sarma, Director General, North East Centre of Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR);Mr. Manoj K Das Managing Director, The North Eastern Regional Agriculture Marketing Corporation Ltd.(NERAMAC) & DGM (NEDFI); Mr. Praveen Solanki, Associate Senior Faculty, National Institute of Design;Mr. PJ Aranador, Filipino International Lifestyle Designer from Manila; Dr. Abhinav Kant, Incharge, Bambooand Cane Development Institute, Agartala (Tripura); Mr. Sonam Tashi Gyaltsen, Product Designer fromSikkim; Mr. R.K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH; Mr. Rajesh Rawat, Joint Director, EPCH; and Ms. AmlaSrivastava, Head Designer, EPCH.

Virtual Panel Discussion on National Handloom Day : Sourcingfrom Handloom Clusters of India

On the occasion of the6th NationalHandloom Day on 7thAugust 2020, EPCH, inassociation withBuying AgentsAssociation (BAA),organised this paneldiscussion. It was wellattended by memberexporters from panIndia along withMr. Ravi K Passi,Chairman, EPCH;Mr. R K Malhotra, ViceChairman, EPCH;Dr. Rakesh Kumar,

Director General, EPCH; Mr. R K Verma, Executive Director, EPCH; Members of Committee of Administration;and Mr. Rajesh Rawat, Joint Director, EPCH. As expert panelists, Ms. Mudita Mishra, ADC (Handicrafts);Mr. Santosh Kumar Singh ADC(Handlooms); Mr T V Chandrasekaran, Chairman (HEPC); Mr Vishal Dhingra,Chairman, BAA; Ms. Anchal Kansal, General Secretary, BAA; and Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Executive Director,CEPC, shared their views on the need to continue with the long and illustrative history, heritage andcraftsmanship of handlooms and encourage youngsters to adopt the same, thus keeping the alive, theheritage of producing the best of textile products from the country.


One Day Workshops/SeminarsMeasures to address Challenges & Opportunities in Post COVIDtimes for Product Development, Design and Marketingin Handicrafts SectorOne day workshops for various batches of artisans were organised in different craft clusters to guidethem on solving challenges with better utilisation of opportunities, gain a better understanding on productdevelopment, design and marketing techniques in the handicrafts sector as well as to provide a wayforward to cope up with the situation and forge a way ahead. Dignitaries present on the occasion wereofficials from O/o DC (H), regional convenors, members of Mentorship Committees, leading memberexporters and senior mentoring artisans of the particular regional craft. Expert/guest faculty were fromvarious institutes including NIFT and organisations like Adobe. These resource persons spoke on thebasics of exports, procedures, documentation and marketing of handicrafts besides guiding them onnorms, pre-requisites and documentation for establishing new export oriented business. Presentationson adding design value, sharing of experiences and detailed business process analysis with internationalmarketing, sales, distribution, marketing, operations and e-business applications were carried out. Updateson EPCH activities and schemes of O/o DC (Handicrafts) were provided. Session details:2nd November 2020, 27th January 2021 : Woodcrafts Hub, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh

22nd December 2020 : Hand Embroidery & Gotta Patti Cluster of Vidhani & Dhani Village, Rajasthan

29th December 2020 : Gotta Patti Cluster of Kacholiya Bassi & Jhijha Bassi, Rajasthan

5th January 2021 : Leather Hand Embroidery Clusters of Chaksu & Kotkhawada, Rajasthan

16th & 20th January 2021 : Wooden Toy Cluster of Kathputli Nagar, Rajasthan

25th January 2021 : Blue Pottery Craft Cluster of Kot Jewar, Rajasthan

30th January 2021 : Hand Block Printing Cluster of Sanganer, Rajasthan

5th February 2021, 19th, 23rd, 25th March, 26th March 2021 : Lace Crafts Hub, ILTC, Narsapur, AP

6th February 2021 : Hand Embroidery Clusters of Kacholiya Bassi & Vimal Pural, Rajasthan

15th February 2021 : Hand Knotted Carpet Cluster of Ramsar, Rajasthan

17th February 2021 : Woodcrafts Hub, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh

18th March 2021 : Painting artisans of Jaipur


Export Promotion, International Marketing, Custom Procedure for ExportPromotion, Digital Marketing, Packaging, Quality Compliance, Design& MarketingThese workshops were conducted in craft hubs of Uttar Pradesh and had expert faculty from NIFT, consultingfirms, officials from O/o DC (Handicrafts) and EPCH officials. The program at Bareilly on 14th December2020 also had the presence of Mr. Rishi Ranjan Goel, Jt. Commissioner Industries, Bareilly, who updatedthe participants about schemes/support related to the department of MSME and NSIC. The Moradabadseminar on 21st December 2020 had Mr. R N Katyal, CHA- Customs explain about the documentationrequired to become an exporter, Customs formalities with emphasis on customs clearance, different

types of Freight ShippingServices. Participants learntabout opportunity in overseasmarkets for handicrafts, relatedtechnicalities, paperwork todone as well as understandingthe buyer and market selectionprocesses to find 'How' and'What' to export. They wereupdated on schemes of O/o DC(Handicrafts) for artisans, MudraLoan, medical schemes forartisan families, participation incrafts exhibitions withgovernment schemes/support,GeM portal and its importanceas well as techniques forimprovement in craftsmanship,design and quality of crafts,digital marketing and how EPCHhelps entrepreneurs in exportpromotion through its variousactivities.

Export Management, Product Selection, Design & MarketingThis one day awareness seminar was conducted for ST category artisans at Jalore, Rajasthan, on 9thMarch 2021, under R & D Scheme of O/o DC (Handicrafts), with the presence of Mr. Manish Mehta,Regional Coordinator, EPCH NWR Mentorship Group; Mr. Ishwar Chand, Handicraft Promotion Officer,O/o DC (H), Jodhpur; Mr. Bhanu Pratap Singh, General Manager, DIC Jalore; Mr. Sajjan Pal Choudhary,Carpet Training Officer O/o DC (H), Jodhpur and guest faculty on trade finance and design. Participantswere informed about the importance of schemes of O/o DC (Handicrafts), for upliftment of handicraftsartisans and entrepreneurs; importance of participating in fairs & exhibitions; design development and


product selection for international markets; modern techniques and digital marketing, with particularreference to the region’s craft - Aari-Tari & Zari goods. They were urged to extend the reach of their artand craft work to a broader market base with help from District Industries Center (DIC) and EPCH. Facultyon trade finance and design made easy to understand illustrative presentations for the benefit of artisans.

Safety & Standards related to ToysThe one day awareness seminar was organised at Jodhpur, Rajasthan on 10th March 2021, in associationwith MSME-Development Institute Jaipur and O/o DC (Handicrafts), with the presence of COA membersand members of EPCH NWR Mentorship Group; Mr. Dinesh Soni, Assistant Director-MSME Jaipur;Mr. Sanjeev Kapoor, Vice Principal ITI Jodhpur; Mr. Ishwar Chand, Handicraft Promotion Officer, O/o DC(H), Jodhpur; Mr. Sajjan Pal Choudhary, Carpet Training Officer O/o DC (H), Jodhpur; and Ms. Harshita,Craft Council of Weavers & Artisans. Participants were informed about the wooden and metal animals& gift articles industry of Jodhpur that has a larger growth scope with high-quality, contemporary andtrend focus toys, made with safety, sustainability and pro-environment parameters. MSME's schemes &polices were shared along with design inspiration and marketing insights.

Export Avenues and Marketing & Schemes of Exim BankEPCH, Southern Regional Office, with the supportof Export Import Bank of India, organised thisone day awareness seminar at Hyderabad on26th March 2021, with the presence of Mr. RavindraNath, Chairman-MSME Sector-ICSI & former CMD- NSIC; Mrs. Sumedha Rani, Chief Manager, ExportImport Bank of India, Mumbai; Dr. Gaurav Madhu,Joint Director and Regional Head, Indian Instituteof Packaging, Hyderabad; Mr. H K Chari, NationalAdvisor, IL&FS; and Mr. Sudhin Paul, DeputyDirector, Commerce & Export PromotionDepartment, Government of Telangana. This wasattended by budding exporters and entrepreneurs.The aim was to familiarise and update them aboutexports with focus on handicrafts marketingstrategies, Exim Bank's GRID scheme, methodologyin Micro Small and Medium Enterprise and smallscale industries and their various schemes. Detailson the Council’s membership were also shared.


Seminars by Audio/VideoRisk Assessment and Management in View of COVID19This session for Narsapur on 7th April 2020, was jointly facilitated by Mr. MSRK Somesh, Asst. CommissionerGST, O/o State Sale Tax, Andhra Pradesh and Dr. NGS Prasad, HOD, Swarnandhra Group of Institutions.Points discussed in detail included, identifying and analysing potential (future) events that may negativelyimpact individuals, assets, and/or the environment (i.e. risk analysis) and making judgments on the tolerabilityof the risk on the basis of a risk analysis, while considering influencing factors like project management;information security; shipping industry; trade policies; and govt. schemes. The growing demand forhandicraft and handloom products was highlighted alongwith the need to address related challenges.

Strategies to Increase Business -Post COVID pandemicAt this seminar for Mumbai on 7th April 2020 Mr. Mihir Shah, International Trade Consultant, guidedattendees on tackling the 'near-halt' due to the Coronavirus owing to top export destinations gettingeffected and near collapse of the global supply chain. Keeping in view the situation of lockdown inIndia, downfall in business and pending orders in hand, the consultant advised on resetting by examininggoals with emphasis on targets concerning COVID19 affected countries; making new marketing strategies,viz., updating websites, work on new product development for the new markets and concentrate moreon e-marketing avenues; moving forward to regulatory compliances of DGFT, Customs, GST, etc. andplan out their schedule of the various extensions granted to effectively implement them once thingsbecome normal. Exporters were urged to look forward to new opportunities.

Ways to Control Stress and Anxiety in COVID19Speakers at this audio seminar for Jodhpur on 7th April 2020, were Mr. Hansraj Baheti, COA MemberEPCH; Presidents of Jodhpur's handicraft associations - Dr. Bharat Dinesh from Jodhpur Handicrafts Exporters'Association (JHEA) and Mr. Naresh Bothra from Jodhpur Handicrafts Exporters Federation (JHEF); andguest faculty, Ms. Prachee Gaur from M/s Remarkable Education Pvt. Ltd., Jodhpur. The attendees learntabout the ways to control stress and anxiety during the pandemic, turning weakness/impediment intostrength. Pointers shared included how one can utilise this time to explore new approaches, ideas andplan businesses while using the family time effectively.

Crisis Management and Mitigation Strategies for Handicrafts IndustryThis seminar organised on 8th April 2020, featured Management Guru from Bangalore, Mr. Suresh Iyerand was attended by member exporters from Mysore, Chennai, Bangalore and Puducherry. The speaker,Mr. Suresh Iyer elaborated multiple ways to face the present crisis. Several queries were addressedduring this interactive session and many anxieties were put to rest. Mr. R K Verma, Executive Director,EPCH, graced the seminar with his presence. Also present were, Mr. K N Tulasi Rao, COA Member andConvenor- Southern Region, EPCH; and former COA member, EPCH, Mr. K L Ramesh.

Risk Mitigation through ECGC Cover for Handicraft ExportersThis seminar was conducted in various stations ( and addressedby an ECGC representative. Queries pertaining to risk coverand current situation of shipments as well as the loss due toshipments held at ports/ shipment in transit and denial ofbuyers to accept the shipments, were discussed in detail. Thevarious Risk Covers provided by ECGC for exporters relatedto various components/situations were touched upon andthe related extended dates mentioned. EPCH COA members


were present to encourage members in their respective stations. Session details: Moradabad-7th April2020; Saharanpur - 8th April 2020; Agra - 14th April 2020; Narsapur - 18th April 2020; Jaipur, 1st May2020; Jodhpur, 14th May 2020; Bangalore, 20th May 2020.

Design, Trends & Forecast and How to tackle business in theBackdrop of Global Lockdown due to current situationJointly facilitated by Ms. Jesmina Zeliang, EPCH Regional Convenor (NER) and Ms. Amla Srivastava,Head Designer, EPCH, this seminar for NER on 8th April 2020, guided participants about trends in theglobal market and insights, updates and forecasts to help them develop a confident approach to chalkout export strategies for retail, customer communications and business. They were also explained aboutdigital mediums and urged to explore situational opportunities to market their products and adopt a'diplomatic mission mode' in communicating with their buyers. Emphasis was on the right frame of mindand variety in fashion essentials (not extravagances) for post COVID times with focus on sustainability.

Rethinking Handicraft Export Sales amidst uncertainty of COVID19Against the background of COVID leading to unpredictable market demandand buying behaviour, causing companies all over the world tore-think "How to Sell" in international markets, EPCH Kolkata organiseda seminar with Mr. O P Prahladka, EPCH Regional Convenor (East); andexpert faculty, Mr. R P Sharma from IIFT Kolkata as speakers. They spokeon Impact of current crisis on labour intensive handicrafts exports andglobal economic slowdown; Re-strategising Indian handicrafts for asustainable long term advantage; How handicrafts sales and buyingprocesses are changing; and How firms can adopt the selling effortsin response. The session for Jodhpur also had Mr. Hansraj Baheti, COA Member, EPCH; Dr. Bharat Dinesh,President, JHEA; Mr. Naresh Bothra, President, JHEF, among speakers. Sessions were for NER and Kolkata- 9th April 2020; Saharanpur - 15th April 2020; Jodhpur - 20th May 2020.

Managing Stress and EmotionsAimed to increase positivity and boost morale of member exporters, this seminar was held for memberexporters in Jaipur on 9th April 2020 and Saharanpur on 16th May 2020. It addressed the phase ofworking with uncertainty in the face of a pandemic and fluctuating emotions related to it causing effectsas well as damage to one's mood, energy level, relationships, work performance as well as health. Guestfaculty, Mr. Abhishek Arora, Co-Founder Personal Reflection, Jaipur, suggested activities like fitness andrelaxation activities, constructive meditation, time management, etc. to bring down stress levels.

How to obtain Pre-Shipment and Post-Shipment Export Financefrom Banks including Factoring and Forfeiting FinanceThis seminar was organised in Jodhpur on 14th April 2020 and Saharanpur on 29th April 2020. Guestspeakers from HDFC Bank offered information about foreign exchange, export business, documenting,procedures of export finance, etc. and described categories of export finance & eligibility. Participantslearnt about credit associated with export finance and the forward booking, its utility as well as factoringcompanies that provide financial assistance to new exporters and start-ups. The Q&A at the end offeredmany clarifications. In Jodhpur it was also attended by Mr. Hansraj Baheti, COA Member, EPCH andPresidents of Jodhpur's handicraft associations - Dr. Bharat Dinesh from Jodhpur Handicrafts Exporters'Association (JHEA) and Mr. Naresh Bothra from Jodhpur Handicrafts Exporters Federation (JHEF). InSaharanpur, Mr. Som Goyal and Mr. Ramji Suneja along with many member exporters attended.


SIDBI Assistance to facilitate Emergency Responseagainst COVID19This seminar in various stations helped the audience understand the role of SIDBI in developing Microand Small Enterprises (MSEs) in India and SIDBI Assistance to facilitate emergency response againstCOVID19. Stepping up the fight against the pandemic and helping MSEs combat the prevailing situation,Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) launched financial schemes. Offering loans of uptoRs 50 lakh, the SIDBI Assistance to Facilitate Emergency (SAFE) response against coronavirus schemeaims to offer assistance to such MSEs. It can also help them buy equipment for manufacturing or purchaseraw material and consumables for production. The sessions were addressed by senior representativesfrom SIDBI and had the presence of eminent EPCH member exporters of the regions. Sessions were inBangalore - 14th April 2020; Jaipur - 21st April 2020; Jodhpur - 8th May 2020.

Effective Communication for Export Business andPersonal SuccessTo update the industry about effective communication in the wake of pandemic induced health advisories,travel restrictions and remote working, this seminar was organised for Jaipur on 14th April 2020 andJodhpur on 24th April 2020, with soft skills trainer, Mr. Abhishek Arora, Co-Founder Personal Reflection,Jaipur. Stating that companies can improve performance, productivity and profitability by communicatingeffectively because good communication clarifies goals, fosters teamwork and cultivates success, heexplained types of communication with many examples of effective communication as well as examplesof companies to understand theory of it. He also conveyed common barriers to this and suggestedpoints to increase working methodology and communication. These sessions were attended by eminentexporters and COA members of the regions who also shared experiences and interacted with the participants.

How COVID19 is impacting the Business and Strategies toOvercome CrisisOrganised for EPCH member exporters in the Narsapur region on 15th April 2020, this seminar wascoordinated by Mr. K N Tulasi Rao, COA Member and Convenor- Southern Region, EPCH and facilitatedby Dr. G A Rajkumar, IAS(Retd.), former Additional Chief Secretary to Govt. of Karnataka. Discussedduring the session were, issues in production and logistics; Custom and GST related issues; and issuesrelated to the financial assistance. Dr. Rajkumar guided the procedure to be followed on these pointsas well as strategies to be adopted after the crisis.

COVID19- Role of CONCOR in current scenarioThis seminar for member exporters in Moradabad, Noida and Faridabad on 16th April 2020, updated onhow The Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) is working for the industry, especially the handicraftssector that encountered various hurdles in sending shipments and transport of containers to the port.Mr. J K Jeenger, General Manager, CONCOR, Moradabad informed about CONCOR related services to

the trade and arrangements made by thegovernment for exporters. Notificationexcerpts were shared and explained. Theparticipants enquired about discount onpricing and availability of containers; howthey can move their trucks from their factoriesto ICD; etc. Mr. Jeenger answered thequestions and clarified the doubts, assuringCONCOR's services 24X7 with minimum staffand SOPs.


Online Marketing Strategies toPromote Export of Handicraftsduring Covid19This seminar was conducted for various stations,by guest faculty from the respective regions.Participants were briefed about export marketingand challenges associated with it; online marketing;importance of positive mindset; and effective useof the 'Work from home' opportunity to add toknowledge base, develop new strategies ofmarketing products through various other means,specifically through e-Commerce channels. The robust internet mechanism with various business appslike face book, Google app, instagram and LinkedIn as well as usage of e-Commerce platforms wasexplained. Participants were inspired towards a calculated and aggressive marketing approach that isessential for export marketing. Session details: Mumbai and Pune - 16th April 2020; Jodhpur - 13th June2020; Bangalore - 18th June 2020; Moradabad - 1st July 2020.

Creativity and InnovationThis seminar on 17th April 2020, for member exporters in Jodhpur had Ms. Prachee Gaur from M/s RemarkableEducation Pvt. Ltd., Jodhpur, as guest faculty. Participants benefited from her presentation on creativityand innovation with description on tools & techniques; insights on how new products can be developedwith an innovative edge, thinking of new ideas, experience, communication and exchange of ideas aswell as optimum use of present abilities that can become major contributors. They were encouraged notbe apprehensive but to build capacity; accept criticism; increase skill and apply them in the right way.Dr. Bharat Dinesh from Jodhpur Handicrafts Exporters' Association (JHEA) and Mr. Naresh Bothra fromJodhpur Handicrafts Exporters Federation (JHEF) were also present.

Strategies for Growth in e-Commerce Market Place Post COVID19These seminars in Jaipur, Jodhpur and Saharanpur on 19th & 24th April 2020, 29th April 2020 and 9thMay 2020, respectively, were addressed by senior executives from DHL Express (India), along with COAmembers of EPCH like, Mr. Lekhraj Maheshwari and Mr. Hansraj Baheti. Disseminating information onimpacts of COVID19 on e-Commerce, the speakers pointed out the phase's potential to change howconsumers shop, consume information and even on how businesses work. They spoke about opportunitiesfor taking businesses online and elaborated with examples on possibilities of e-Commerce marketsduring COVID19; e-Commerce expansion after the pandemic; requirements for new entrants in e-Commercebusiness; and proposition of DHL. They entioned about propositions of DHL that are particularly adoptedduring the pandemic that includes trade facilities in many countries, customer services, on demanddelivery, shipments and need of documents for it, etc. This concluded with an interactive Q&A.

Government e-Market and its Registration ProcessMr. H S Gautham, Regional Business Manager, Government E-Market (GeM), addressed this seminar onhow to do seller registration and product listing, etc. on GeM. Organised for the Bangalore region on20th April 2020 and 19th May 2020, this was attended by many member exporters and Mr. K N TulasiRao, Southern Regional Convenor, EPCH. GeM is a Government e-Market place hosted by DGS&D fromwhere common user goods and services can be procured. The Finance Minister in his Budget speech forFY 2016-17, announced setting up of a technology driven platform to facilitate procurement of goodsand services by various Ministries and agencies of the Government with a technical support of Nationale-Government division. GeM portal for procurement of both products and services was thus developed.


Presenting Products to the Buyers: Role of EffectiveCommunication in getting Export OrdersThis seminar held against the backdrop of the pandemic and effective lockdown, helped guide memberexporters in various stations, on effective communication and marketing to remain in touch with customersand increase pipeline export generation during the period. Speakers, Mr. O P Prahladka, EPCH RegionalConvenor (Eastern Region); and Dr. R P Sharma from IIFT - Kolkata, explained the role, forms and importanceof marketing communication that uses different marketing channels and tools in combination that focuson any way a business communicates a message to its desired market. Different terminologies like, SPIN- Situation Problem Implication and Need; KISS - Keep It Short and Simple; and SELL - Show featureExplain advantage Lead into benefit and Let customer talk, were explained. Sessions were in Kolkata -20th April 2020; Moradabad - 30th April 2020; Saharanpur - 25 April; Agra & Firozabad - 1st May 2020.

GST-Regulatory & Statutory Compliance in current situationAttended by several member exporters including Mr. Hansraj Baheti, COA Member EPCH; and Mr. NareshBothra, President Jodhpur Handicrafts Exporters Federation (JHEF), this seminar for member exportersin Jodhpur and Udaipur, held on 20th and 21st April 2020, respectively, was facilitated by Mr. PradeepJain, Chartered Accountant from Jodhpur. Participants got detailed information about GST, its returnsand amendments made for the implementation of the upcoming schemes and advanced authorisation,the changes made in the services, manufacturer's promotions and returns, etc. Latest Govt. notificationswere touched upon and details like multiple relaxations concerning taxations, penalties, date of submission,LUT, certification & installation and refunds & returns, etc. were explained.

Rethinking Target Market for Handicrafts export post COVID19This seminar organised on 22nd April 2020, for member exporters in Saharanpur and Kolkata, was attendedby many member exporters from these regions. The session was facilitated by Mr. Gautam Dutta, Facultyfrom IIFT - Kolkata. He explained about strategic ways of approaching business in the present scenario.The seminar focused on Rethinking on export market identification; Brief about countries strugglingwith this pandemic; Usual data-based export market selection with the help of website - www.trademap.org;Procedure for Indian handicraft exporters; and Strategic way to create opportunities for selection ofmarket for exports.

COVID19-How to overcome from current crisisWith an aim to motivate and boost morale in times of uncertainty, EPCH organised this seminar formember exporters in Saharanpur & Firozabad on 23rd and for Moradabad & Meerut on 27th April 2020.This was conducted by Corporate Trainer, Dr. Mosam Sinha. Pointing out that in these given times, everyonehas to work in a different way to deal with situations arisising due to this pandemic, he suggested: Avoid

negative vibes; Recognise this asa blessing in disguise; introspectand bounce back; Work oncreativity and innovation;Strengths/Weaknesses; How towork with Swot Analysis;Opportunities/Threats; and mostimportantly, Recognise yourSignature Strength. Participantslearnt that the current situationis not permanent and if one worksin the right direction, there willbe a way out.


Overview of latest notifications& rules implemented by DGFT,Customs, GST, RBIThese sessions were organised in Mumbai on 23rdApril 2020, Saharanpur on 2nd and Kolkata on8th May 2020, with an objective to update memberexporters on the various changes brought underthe export and import concerning policies by theGovernment for the benefit of the exportingcommunity in view of the lockdown situationpersisting globally. Among participants were, prominent member exporters, Regional Convenors andprominent member exporters. Facilitated by Mr. Mihir Shah, International Trade and Export Consultant,these sessions, with latest notifications & rules implemented by DGFT, Customs, GST and RBI for exporters,were informative and of high interest to the attendees.

Handicrafts Business Promotion through e-Commerce andSocial MediaThe seminar on 23rd April 2020, aimed to help member exporters in the Narsapur region, strategise fortimes ahead in view of the rising emphasis on e-Commerce platforms and the global business communitytrying to get connected through the electronic media such as webinars, virtual marketing, social media,etc. Guest faculty was, Business Development Consultant from Hyderabad, Mr. Rudraraju Purushotham.Many exporters including Mr. K N Tulasi Rao, EPCH Southern Regional Convenor, EPCH, attended thisand benefited from guidance on building a brand name; product design; Search Engine Optimization(SEO); multi-channel marketing; payment methods; regulations of product pricing; and shipment security.Several questions came up at the end of the session and were addressed by the speaker.

Rethinking Handicraft Export Sales amid uncertainty ofCorona virusThis seminar for Moradabad & Meerut on 22nd, Agra & Firozabad on 25th April 2020 and Jodhpur on20th May 2020, had expert faculty, Dr. R P Sharma, Associate Profession (Marketing Area), IIFT, Kolkata,as the speaker. Participants learnt of ways to cope with and adapt to changes in buying behaviour andunpredictability brought about by the pandemic, causing companies all over the world to re-think howthey sell, particularly in the international markets. They were guided on re-strategising labour intensiveIndian handicrafts for a sustainable long term advantage; effectiveness of traditional export sales methods;lead generation- online product suits on websites, online exhibitions, etc.; how export sales funnel shouldchange; and importance of conversion, average order size and length of the selling cycle (velocity).

Dark side of MarketingThis seminar conducted on 25th April 2020 for member exporters in Bangalore, had Mr. H ShivaramKuppachi, IIM Ahmedabad alumni and CEO, Quarterback Zemstars Management, Bangalore, as guestspeaker and Mr. K N Tulasi Rao, Southern Regional Convenor, EPCH; and Mr. P Subramanian, former COAMember, EPCH, as industry speakers. The participants learnt to comprehend the dark side of marketingto protect oneself and one's business. The guest speaker's engaging presentation covered efficient marketswhere one can allocate resources optimally v/s shadow of efficient markets like increased price volatility;primitive markets and their pros & cons; efficient, expectations-driven markets and their quick shiftingtendencies producing spikiness, the dark side of efficiency and expectations, etc. In conclusion, the facultyguided participants on addressing market volatility.


State of the World & Indian Economy amid COVID19 and itsimpact on CurrenciesThis seminar on 27th April 2020 for member exporters in Narsapur, was facilitated by Mr. Bharath Sunnam,Deputy Manager, KARVY,Hyderabad. Many member exporterss and Mr. K N Tulasi Rao, Southern RegionalConvenor, EPCH, participated among audience. Mr. Sunnam detailed about the currency impact on theeconomy; merchandise trade; economic growth; interest rates; hedge currency risk; and spot exchangerate. The participants raised several queries and got clarifications.

Central & State Incentives for BusinessOrganised for member exporters in the Jaipur region on 28th April 2020, this seminar had CA Aneesh Patniand CA Abhinav Kapoor from M/s Thesaurus of Finance as speakers. They disseminated information on:Rajasthan Government Schemes like Mukhyamantri Laghu Udhyog Protsahan Yojana (MLUPY); RajasthanInvestment Promotion Scheme 2019 as well as MOT Scheme - Amended Technology Upgradation FundScheme (ATUFS). SME loans and various schemes were explained in detail - their quantum & nature offinancial assistance, eligibility conditions, applicability & key benefits, negative list, special features, etc.

Challenges in the current GST StructureWith an objective to update EPCH member exporters in the Kolkata region on the Govt.'s support forrevival of the economy through amendments in Finance Act 2020 (FA 2020) along with relief measureson various tax and other statutory compliances announced subsequently, a seminar on the subject wasorganised on 29th April 2020. It was facilitated by CA Gagan Kedia, Partner - Litigations & Advisory, MRGKedia & Co. The attendees were guided on closing of books and recent amendments in the GST structure.

Various Schemes and Services of National Small Industries CorporationThis seminar on 29th April 2020 for Bangalore updated its audience on schemes and services of NationalSmall Industries Corporation(NSIC) through an interaction by Mr. Srivatsan, Deputy General Manager,NSIC, Bangalore. Members learnt of schemes for machinery purchase; equipment leasing; export hiremarketing of products; participation in bulk purchase program of the Government; developing prototype

of machines and equipment for commercial production;distribution of basic raw material through raw material depots;help in development and up-gradation of technology andimplementation of modernization programs; and impartingtraining in various industrial trades, to put small scale industriesin competitive and advantageous position.

An introduction to Cyber Security forHandicraft ExportersThis seminar on 30th April 2020 for member exporters in Mumbai,was conducted by Mr.Vishal Shah, CEO of Talakunchi Networks,Mumbai. He offered information on cyber security with updateson various cyber threats encountered by the business communityin their monetary transactions. Safety tips were shared alongsideadvice on updating software and operating systems; use ofanti-virus software and strong passwords; not to open emailattachments from unknown senders and links sent by unknownsenders, etc. The seminar was attended by many and the Q&Awas responded well.


Technology Upgradation in near future andvarious Schemes of MSMEThis session on 30th April 2020 for the Bangalore region, was initiated by the speaker, Mr. G R Aka Das,Director, MSME, Bangalore. Participants learnt of launch of a web portal for MSME Bank how it encouragesentrepreneurs and MSMEs to come up with innovative Ideas & solutions for building a new India; numerousschemes devised by MSME to support enterprises, both in domestic and foreign markets in marketingefforts. Besides members, this session had the presence of Mr. K N Tulasi Rao, Southern Regional Convenor,EPCH; and Mr. K L Ramesh, former COA Member, EPCH.

Strategies to Overcome Impact of Covid19 on Handicrafts SectorFacilitated by Dr. Koteswara Rao, Co-chairman, Foreign Trade Committee, Andhra Pradesh Chambers ofCommerce and CEO, Global Exim Institute, Hyderabad, this seminar for Narsapur on 30th April 2020,touched upon the current situation and its impact on the handicrafts sector, especially MSEs. The attendeeswere guided on various strategies to be adopted after the crisis like, tracking expenses against therevenue status; checking the feasibility of one's business model, etc. as well as planning policies for thenext three months; staying optimistic; focusing on digital platforms; and taking personal accountabilityfor health, wellness and hygiene.

Digitisation on Trade and Export Finance-HDFC BankThis seminar was organised for the Moradabad, Rampur and Sambhal regions of Uttar Pradesh on 2ndMay 2020. Speakers were, Mr. Raman Pandey, Area Sales Head, Uttarakhand & Western UP (Moradabad& Saharanpur Clusters), Retail Trade & Forex Services (RTFx); and Mr. Ravi Agarwal, Credit Sales, HDFCBank. They offered detailed information about digital banking products, export finance and schemesavailable with their bank, eligibility of pre and post shipment finance, credit associated with exportfinance and forward booking & its utility.

Awareness on EPCH ‘Design Register’ launched to protectmembers’ designs/ IPR from misuse or infringementEPCH launched its Design Register - Design Register Service Platform, conceptualised for protectingdesigns of its member exporters, on 17th April 2020. Seminars were conducted across craft clusters toinform & update member exporters on this online space. Mr. Sunil Kumar, Designer, EPCH, made aninformative presentation to explain the features of this platform and the procedure to register designs/products under Design Register. Session details : Jaipur - 5th May 2020; Saharanpur - 5th May 2020;Kolkata - 10th May 2020; Narsapur - 20th May 2020; Jodhpur - 5th June 2020.

Cyber Security 2020: Building Resilience Now and for the FutureParticipants at these sessions in various stations learnt that as digital transformation and hyper-convergencecreate unintended gateways to risks, vulnerabilities, attacks, and failures, a cyber resilience strategy canhelp business withstand disruptive cyber incidents. It can help defend against those risks, protect criticalapplications and data, and recover from breach or failure in a controlled, measurable way. Expert faculty,Dr. Nitesh Saraswat, Ass. Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, offered information about cybercrime,cyber law & related sections, legal punishment related to cybercrime, Indian cyber law, IT Act and itsamendments. He spoke on how SMEs can protect their business from cybercriminals, who are lookingto take advantage of increased online operations as a result of COVID19. The sessions concluded withinformation on Information Technology Act 2000, and Section 65 of the IT Act. Session details : Jodhpur- 6th May 2020; Jaipur - 9th May 2020; Saharanpur - 13th May 2020; Moradabad - 15th July 2020.


Lean and Six Sigma for achieving Global CompetitivenessThis seminar on 7th May 2020 for member exporters in Bangalore, was facilitated by guest speaker andexpert in his domain, Dr.S Manjunath. Attendees learnt about the Lean Six Sigma method that relies ona collaborative team effort to improve performance by systematically removing waste and reducingvariation. Emphasis was on engaged and supportive leadership, focus on what is most important to thebusiness, reduce both waste and variation, prioritise the process, not the product or service to produceon target with minimum variation, follow the five-phase process of define, measure, analyse, improveand control (DMAIC).

Rebooting and Reinventing Marketing Strategies-Post COVID19This seminar on 8th May 2020 for member exporters in Bangalore, had guest speaker, Dr. Kopresa Chari,National Advisor, ILFSA elaborate about strategies like, leading customers with empathy, marketingaction, think human to human over B2B, etc. Attendees learnt about 'reinvent and re-propose' as mainlytaking a marketing plan and readopting it to respond meaningfully and creatively to the marketingplace. It was explained, as lockdown continues and market changes, pivoting and flexing strategies willbe essential, so agility is king. Strategy, roles, personal ownership, external orientation, and leadership- all can be seen much more clearly now with the social contract between the employee and employerchanging fundamentally. So, companies with a strong sense of identity will survive. This was attendedby many member exporters including, Mr. K N Tulasi Rao, COA Member and Convenor- Southern Region,EPCH; and former COA members, EPCH Southern Region - Mr. K L Ramesh and Mr. P Subramanian.

Export Marketing StrategiesAttended by Mr. K N Tulasi Rao, COA Member and Convenor- Southern Region, EPCH and other leadingexporters of the region, this seminar for Narsapur on 9th May 2020, was facilitated by guest speaker,Mr. Abhay Ekbote, Director, Management and Marketing Research, Hyderabad. He offered guidance andpointers on the topic that can be enumerated as: preparation of Export Action Plan as per the situationof business; research overseas markets; details on legal and tax position; pricing policies during andafter the Crisis; promotion through digital platforms; and SWOT analysis before launch of new products.

Managing oneself during a crisisThis seminar on 9th May 2020 was facilitated by Mr. Srinivas Shikarpurkar, Marketing Consultant, withan objective of helping member exporters in Mumbai, build mental resilience through mindfulness,especially in challenging times. The participants were advised on managing their minds in a way thatincreases their ability to face the pandemic situation, having a positive approach to negate effect stresslevels and create conducive atmosphere of development and most importantly utilise the opportunityof working from home to accelerate personal growth as well as stimulus to business growth.

Relief Measures of Tax Compliance with respect to GST and IncomeTax during COVID19Attended by Mr. K N Tulasi Rao, COA Member and Convenor- Southern Region, EPCH; Mr. K L Ramesh,former COA Member, EPCH and other leading exporters of the Bangalore region, this seminar on 12thMay 2020, was facilitated by guest speaker, Mr. Sriram Sagar, leading Chartered Accountant from Shivamogga.In connection with the nationwide lockdown due to COVID19 and announcements the Govt. made thereafter,Mr. Sagar offered detailed information about GST, its returns and Foreign Trade Policy's amendmentsand schemes related to it referring to latest Govt. notifications and extended dates for IGST, returns,compensation and composition fees.


Best Workplace Management through 5S PracticeThis seminar on 15th May 2020, held for member exporters in Bangalore, was facilitated by expert faculty,Dr. S Manjunath. He spoke about the 5S system which is a Japanese base set of principles with the ideathat an organised workplace results in better employee productivity and increased workplace safety aswell as work efficiency. 5S is a system for organising spaces so work can be performed efficiently, effectively,and safely. This system focuses on putting everything where it belongs and keeping the workplace clean,which makes it easier for people to do their jobs without wasting time or risking injury. The principlesof 5S methodology are often termed as the five pillars of a visual workplace points.

MSME Schemes for Handicrafts SectorThis seminar was facilitated by senior representatives from Institute of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises,Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India and conducted for Narsapur, Jodhpur and Moradabad on 16th, 27thand 30th May 2020, respectively. Participants learnt of schemes devised by MSME to support enterprises,both in domestic and foreign markets in marketing efforts; role of MSME in Indian exports; global MSMEscenario; Foreign Currency Credit Scheme; swap facilities; how to get benefited from process/productdevelopment centers; linkages with technical Institutions; Technology Acquisition Schemes; expansionof Focus Market Scheme; Export Financing; insurance coverage pre and post shipment; Performance andCredit Insurance Scheme; and how to get benefited from SFURTI scheme. The speakers also stressed ontrademark and GI registrations and also updated on Government portals and their benefits.

Business Growth Strategies for bouncing back-post Covid19Attended by many leading exporters of the region, the seminar on 22nd May 2020 for member exportersin Bangalore, was facilitated by Mr. Suresh Iyer, a Chennai based expert on the subject. He engaged theparticipants in a stimulating session, taking them through the repercussions of the current situation andways to bounce back once this is over. “But the question is where to start?” Mr. Iyer identified threegeneric response strategies to match organisational infrastructure, their product / service portfolio ortheir route to market. After explaining the prime strategies, he explained how out of short term necessity,organisational responsiveness to COVID19 has been largely reactive.

Product Development as per current scenarioThis seminar on 23rd May 2020 for member exporters in Narsapur, was facilitated by Dr. G ChiranjeeviReddy, Professor, NIFT, Hyderabad and attended by many member exporter members including Mr. KN Tulasi Rao, Member COA and Southern Regional Convenor, EPCH; and Mr. Jayaraj, CEO, The AndhraPradesh Shiparamam Arts, Crafts, & Cultural Society, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh. Participants were briefedon the importance of understanding trends in the global market and insights, updates and forecasts forneed identification of consumer, product pricing & promotion and product innovation & intervention.

Relaxations and critical unseen GST challenges under COVID19This seminar on 23rd May 2020 for the Jaipur region, was facilitated by guest speaker, CA Keshav Gupta.He updated the attendees on the measures the Govt. introduced to combat Covid implications on trade,including some reliefs, depending on the size of business and period of delay. The attendees also learntof compliance related relaxations and extension of last dates in relation to GST like, amendment in Rule36(4) on ITC; cancellation of Goods and Services Contract; deferment of filinging of refund claim; duedate extension of deposit of TDS; GST Form PMT-09; extension of validity of E-way bills; extension ofdue date of Annual Return & Reconciliation Statement for the FY 2018-19; and verification of filing ofForm 3B through EVC.


Growing Business with EmpathyThis seminar on 28th May 2020 and 6th June 2020 for member exporters in Narsapur and Bangalore, wasfacilitated by Mr. H K Chari, National Advisor, IL&FS and attended by many member exporters includingregional convenors and COA members. Types of business communication and how to properly communicatethe same with empathy, in this current situation was explained with examples. Participants could understandfundamentals of empathy; role of empathy in business growth; cognitive empathy; emotional empathy;compassionate empathy; how to develop empathy at work; cultivation of compassion through empathy;and role of empathy in business communication and management.

Importance of Online Marketing to promote business at Virtual WorldThis seminar on 30th June 2020, aimed at guiding member exporters in Jaipur, on the vast online marketplace.Guest speaker, Ms. Prachee Gaur from M/s Remarkable Education Pvt. Ltd., Jodhpur, explained about thevarious benefits of online marketing including reaching out to a large audience in a cost-effective way.The attendees learnt about the gains of implementing a well-rounded Online Marketing Strategy like,more customers, better visibility, improved local presence, increased authority and higher quality websitetraffic leading to more in-person visitors once physical stores open and ultimately, sales.

Crisis creates Opportunities - How to be a Game ChangerThis seminar on 3rd July 2020 with expert faculty, Dr. Usha Gopinath, taught member exporters in Bangalore,that the best way to look at the economic paralysis is as a deferment of production and income, whichcan be, with the right policy levers and stimuli, made up over time. The faculty elaborated on key pointslike behavioral changes involving work, social interaction and governance; remote working; reviewingattitudes towards automation and making it strategic; Inflection point for the gig economy; and significantchanges in global supply chains. In summary, it was learnt that the Covid-19 crisis has challenged themanagement orthodoxy, and it will force a fundamental rethink of business structures, processes andbehavior in the years to come. This ended with a Q&A.

Intellectual Property Rights for Handicrafts SectorThis seminar on 23rd July 2020 for the Bangalore region, was attended by leading member exportersof the city along with Mr. K N Tulasi Rao, COA Member and Southern Regional Convenor, EPCH; andMr. K L Ramesh, former COA member, EPCH. Expert faculty, Prof. Dr. Yathindra, made a presentationpresentation on the subject and elaborated about four types of Intellectual Property Rights. Further, heexplained that companies can use many methods to protect their Intellectual Property Rights includingnon-disclosure agreements, patents, trademarks, design registration and copy rights, policy, etc. In theend of the session, the participants raised their queries and all were answered by the speaker.

How to explore New Markets - Post COVID19The present global scenario that is determining the change in working of buyers and exporters was thetopic at the seminar for Moradabad region on 24th July 2020, addressed by Dr. Gautam Dutta, Professor,IIFT, Kolkata. With majority of buyers still waiting for suitable time to work again and looming uncertaintyof new orders post Corona, the participants were urged to rethink and look for new markets with strategiesin place like, clearly define one's market understanding it's needs; perform market analysis; assess internalcapabilities; prioritise and select markets; develop market entry options; consumer segmentation; purchasesituation analysis; direct/indirect competition analysis; analysis of complementary products & servicesas well as industries and environment.


MSME Schemes/ Programs for Industrial Resources & TechnologicalUpgradationWell attended by several member exporters as well as Mr. Lekhraj Maheshwari, Regional Convenor, EPCH,this seminar on 29th July 2020 for member exporters in Jaipur, had Mr. V K Sharma, Director, MSME-DIand Mr. Pradeep Ojha, Deputy Director, MSME-DI, disseminate information on MSME Schemes like UdyogAadhar Memorandum l Zero Defect Zero Effect; Grievance Monitoring System l Incubation; WomenEntrepreneurship l Design Clinic for Design Expertise; Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme; LeanManufacturing Competitiveness for MSMEs; and Technology and Quality Upgradation Support to MSMEs.Participants also learnt about website URLs, launched by the Government for the hand-holding and toresolve the concerns of MSMEs entrepreneurs.

Discussions on Trade related issues during current pandemic lockdownWith an aim to help member exporters in the WesternRegion with measures to sustain their export marketsand ensure that COVID19 lockdown does not translateinto loss of outward bound goods, this seminar wasconducted on 30th July 2020, with Mr. Ashok Boob,Convenor EPCH Western Region; Mr. PradeepMuchhala, COA Member, EPCH; and prominent EPCHmember exporters from the region -Mr. Sunil Ahuja,Mr. Amir Zaveri, Mr. Deepak Shah; Mr. KaranJethwani; and Mr. Ahmed Sundrani; and tradeconsultant, Mr. Mihir Shah, as speakers. The major issues discussed and clarified were: Future digitalisationof the policy and procedures at the DGFT and Customs on their excusive web portals; Interest equalisationscheme for the Handicraft Exporters; Process and regulation of REX registration for the Handicraft exportersfor exporting to EU; Virtual Trade Fair organised by EPCH which has tremendous scope of business inthe near future; FTA issues; and MEIS, RoDTEP, RoSCTL Schemes.

MSME and ODOP Schemes for Handicrafts SectorMr. Anuj Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, DIC, Moradabad, addressed the participants in this seminar onschemes devised by MSME to support enterprises and how the MSME web portal encourages enterprisesand MSMEs to come up with innovative ideas & solutions for building a new India. Schemes for deputationof MSME business delegations, organising and participation in exhibitions, marketing development assistance,bank credit facilitation, etc. were discussed. Mr. Anuj Kumar further described about the One DistrictOne Product (ODOP) schemes aimed at creating product-specific traditional industrial hubs across 75districts of Uttar Pradesh that will promote traditional industries synonymous with the respective districtsof the state. This session was conducted on 30th July 2020 for member exporters in Moradabad.

Growing Handicrafts Business through Virtual PlatformsIn keeping with the market situation caused by the pandemic, EPCH organised a seminar on 8th August2020 for the Narsapur region, highlighting the importance of virtual platforms for growth in business.This was attended by many member exporters, including Mr. K N Tulasi Rao, COA Member and SouthernRegional Convenor, EPCH. The guest faculty, Mr. H K Chari, National Advisor, IL&FS, Hyderabad, explainedabout adapting a content marketing strategy; selection of relevant platforms; preparation of data baseddecisions with available softwares; selection of communication tools; strategies to deliver high-qualitycontent; diversifying operations as per market requirements; preparation of targeted websites to getmore attention; and prepration of Customer Testimonials and Trust Signals.


Other In-Person SeminarsDigital Marketing & Schemes of Exim BankAimed to disseminate information on Exim Bank andits schemes as well as its concern to revive traditionalIndian crafts from the grassroots level and assistancefrom Integrated Tribal Development Project for craftsdevelopment, this seminar at Kalpeta, Wayanad, Kerala,on 18th January 2021, saw the presence of Dr. Saji MP, Assistant Director, O/o DC (Handicrafts) Thrissur;Mrs. Subhadra Nair, Deputy Planning Officer, DistrictPlanning Office, Wayanad; Mr. Sandeep Jolly, ChiefManager, Export Import Bank of India, Mumbai;Mr. K C Cheriyan, District Project officer, IntegratedTribal Development Project, Wayanad; Mr. Rakesh KumarK., Manager, District Industries Centre, Wayanad;Mr. Zafer Ameer, Faculty from Trivandrum; andMr. Siby Micheal, Handicrafts Promotion Officer, O/o DC (Handicrafts), Thrissur. This was attended bymany participants including NGOs and Master crafts persons from Wayanad and nearby clusters. Theywere urged to make good use of the schemes and produce more innovative and internationally viableproducts. Various methodologies of exports through diverse channels were shared with details on digitalmarketing and export procedures. The participants were also made aware of the benefits of EPCH membershipand its role in providing marketing platforms to its members. The O/o DC (Handicrafts), Thrissur, issuedtool kits to ST artisans of bamboo craft at the seminar.

Various Schemes & Services of National SC/ST Hub under Ministry ofMSME for the Handicrafts SectorThis seminar on 20th August for the Bangalore region was facilitated by Mrs. A Kokila, Regional Headof the National SC/ST Hub, Ministry of MSME, Bangalore. Participants learnt about the National SC/STHub and its professional support to entrepreneurs in the category, through National Small IndustriesCorporation (NSIC). A similar seminar was conducted on 28th August 2020 for member exporters inJaipur with Mr. Ravi Kant, Head - MSME National SC ST Hub Office, Ludhiana as the speaker. Schemesfor Consortia and Tender Marketing, Single point Registration for Government Purchase, MSME GlobalMart B2B Web Portal for MSMEs, Marketing Intelligence, Exhibitions and Technology Fairs, BSMs, Creditand Technology Support, Incubation of unemployed youth for setting up of New Micro & Small enterprises,International Cooperation and International Consultancy Services were explained and queries encouraged.

Strengthening of Handicrafts and Carpet SectorA Zoom meeting on Strengthening of Handicrafts and Carpet Sector: Theme-"Woodware Crafts" wasorganised on 27th November 2020 for member exporters in Jaipur. The meeting aimed to discuss possibilitiesof Handicrafts and Carpet Sector - HCSSC's perspective in collaborations with industry members, industryassociations, MSMEs, and Government stakeholders in the field of woodware. Mr. Lekhraj Maheshwari,Regional Convenor and COA Member, EPCH, along with Mr. Atul Poddar (M/s Poddar Associates);Mr. Girish Agarwal (M/s Sankalp International); Mr. Amit Rawat (M/s Yatrik Arts & Crafts); Mr. K C Charan(M/s J. C. Antiques & Crafts) and Council representatives joined the meeting. Various points related tothe woodware sector including the requirement of Wood Bank, skilled labor availability, training programfor specific jobs (carpenter, polisher and packager), reduction of import duties, etc. were discussed.Industry members appreciated the Council's services related to the Wooden Test Laboratory.


Export Procedures, Documentation & Marketing StrategyThe seminar on 20th October 2020 was planned on the request of the O/o Jt. DGFT, Coimbatore and wasattended by members of SC/ST Hub, AWAKE, Fedcrot and entrepreneurs invited by the O/o Jt. DGFT,Coimbatore. Mr. K N Tulasi, Regional Convenor-Southern Region, EPCH offered a summary of the Council'sactivities. Also present were, Mr. K L Ramesh, former COA member, EPCH; Mrs. Vijayalakshmi, AssistantForeign Trade Officer, O/o JDGFT, Coimbatore; Mrs. A Kokila, Regional Head of National SC/ST Hub,Bangalore; guest faculty-Mr. Venkatesh Prasanna from Christ Academy Institute for Advanced Studies,Bangalore; and Dr. Rajeshwari, President of AWAKE, Bangalore. Participants were updated on membershipand schemes of National SC/ST Hub, Bangalore; technical and marketing aspects while seeking exportmarkets; strategy planning, regulatory compliances, branding, marketplace, e-Post, e-Commerce, shippingand logistics, payments as well as global customer support services. The seminar on 11th November2020 was organised with sponsorship from the Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Karnataka (AWAKE),Bangalore and was on similar lines with the presence of Mr. Dattatreya, Secretary of Karnataka StateSmall Industries Development Corporation (KSSIDC); Mr. Raju, Deputy General Manager, KSSIDC; andguest faculty, Mr. Venkatesh Prasanna from Christ Academy Institute for Advanced Studies, Bangalore.

Export Procedure, Documentation, Marketing andSchemes of Exim BankThis seminar at Hubballi, Karnataka on 15th February 2021, offered knowledge about exports with focuson handicrafts marketing, methodology in MSME and small scale industries, schemes of Exim Bank,activities of Laghu Udyog Bharathi-Karnataka, support to the trade from Karnataka Chamber of Commerceas well as membership benefits of EPCH. Speakers were, Mr. Mahendra Ladhad, President of KarnatakaChamber of Commerce; Mr. Ashok Gadad, Hon. Secretary of Karnataka Chamber of Commerce; Mr. NarayanaPrasanna, General Secretary of Laghu Udyog Bharathi-Karnataka; Mr. Poornapradnya Mahuli, Chief Manager,Exim Bank, Mumbai; and Prof. Venkatesh Prasanna, from Christ Academy, Bangalore. This was attendedby budding exporters and entrepreneurs from Hubballi and Dharwad, Karnataka.


Training Program on Preparation of Face Masks

EPCH Regional Office, Guwahati,organised a day long trainingprogram on 15th April 2020,through video conferencing onface mask making for Cluster

Development Executives (CDEs) / Implementing Agencies of different clusters of North East and EasternRegion. Mr. Narendra Borah, Master Designer from NIFT, New Delhi, shared technical inputs andMs. Onima Tayeng, Designer, EPCH, shared insights on the process. This was attended by Mr. BhaskarBaruah, Project Officer, EPCH; Mr. Jiten Pait, Secretary, Lisang Donyi Welfare Society, Arunachal Pradesh;Mr. Ezeikel Hingba, Project Coordinator, Bosco Reach Out, Guwahati, Assam; Ms Jyoti Deka, Secretary,GRIB; Mr. Sajal Mukherjeee, CDE, Dokra Cluster, West Bengal; Ms. Phungbli Brahma, CDE, Kokrajhar,Assam; Mr. Ram Yadav, CDE, Bamboo Handicraft & Naga Traditional Dress Cluster; Ms. Tapapriya Sahariya,CDE, Traditional Dress Making & Embroidery Cluster, Sipajahar, Assam; Mr Deep Borah, CDE, Silk andHandicraft Cluster, Kaliabor, Assam; Ms. Maibam Surjamala, Designer, Imphal, Manipur; and Mr. IssacLaltanpuniya, Designer, Shillong, Meghalaya.

Awareness Programs towards Cluster DevelopmentParticipants were informed about the objective and various provisions of SFURTI Project, activities listedin Action Plan and role & responsibilities of all stakeholders of the project i.e. Nodal Agency (NA - IIEGuwahati), Technical Agency (EPCH) and Implementing Agency*. Objectives of the program were simplifiedfor the easy understanding of artisans. They were also updated on valuable information regarding theproducts of the cluster, their demand in the market and significance of crafts in keeping alive culture& tradition of a society.

Gorchinga Traditional Handloom Cluster, Nowboicha Block, Lakhimpur, Assam

Impa Handloom and Handicraft Cluster, Tamenglong, Manipur

Focus on Crafts of East & North-East RegionsCovering 15 Craft Clusters, with an objective to educate and groom crafts persons/artisans/NGOs/SHGs, entrepreuners and primary producers, EPCH conducted various programs inthe Eastern and North Eastern Region of India for Comprehensive Development of NECrafts under Research and Development (R&D) Scheme of DC (Handicrafts) as well asSFURTI (Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries under Ministry of MSME).Expert faculty motivated the participants on confidence building and guided them on SkillDevelopment, Design Intervention, Promotion of Traditional Skills, Technical Training aswell as Export Promotion, International Marketing, Packaging, Quality Compliance andDesign & Product Development.


Awareness Programs on ‘Chaupal’Under the Convergence initiative, EPCH, NER, in association with O/o DC (Handicrafts) and the ImplementingAgency(IA) of the cluster*, organised day long awareness program on ‘Chaupal’ scheme that has anobjective to interact with the cluster artisans and identify their needs/requirement at the local level andprepare need-based action plans. Vital information on digital marketing and its opportunities wereshared. The IA was advised to register their cluster on GeM Portal. Attendees also gathered informationon various schemes of the O/o DC (Handicrafts) and EPCH (NER). During the program face masks werealso distributed to the participants.

Silk Khadi Cluster, Kalitakuchi, Hajo, Assam

Silk Handloom and Handicrafts Cluster, Wangkhei Ayangpalli, Imphal East, Manipur

Silk Handloom and Handicrafts Cluster, Kwakeithel, Imphal West Manipur

Impa Handloom and Handicraft Cluster, Tamenglong, Manipur

Bamboo and Cane Craft Cluster, Mokokchung, Nagaland

SFURTI Project - EPCH as Technical AgencyEPCH is the Technical Agency for SFURTIProjects in the North East Region and hasbeen a proactive part of SFURTI’s objectiveto equip traditional artisans of the associatedclusters with improved skills and capabilitiesthrough training and exposure visits as wellas to make provision for common facilitiesand improved tools /equipments for artisansin order to strengthen the cluster governancesystems with the active participation of thestakeholders, so that they are able to gaugethe emerging challenges and opportunitiesand respond to them in a coherent manner.The Common Facility Centres (CFC) at thefollowing clusters were inaugurated :

Traditional Dress Making and Embroidery Cluster, Kokrajhar, Assam

Sitalpati Cluster, Goalpara, Assam

Silk Khadi Cluster, Hajo, Assam

Chapar Terracotta Cluster, Dhubri, Assam

Dokra Craft Cluster, Chandipur, Abhirampur, Purba Barddhaman, West Bengal

EPCH being the Technical Agency, plays an active role in setting up of such CFCs.


Design Development ProgramEPCH, NER, in association with IndianInstitute of Entrepreneurship, Guwahatiand the Implementing Agency (IA)* forthe cluster, organised sessions and daylong programs on Product and DesignDevelopment with presentations andguidance from designers, ProjectAssistants, EPCH officials and seniorrepresentatives from the IA. Mrs. N L Palai,Regional Director, NERO; Ms. JesminaZeliang, Regional Convenor, NER;Ms. Amla Srivastava, Head Designer, EPCH;and HPOs from O/o DC (Handicrafts) werevirtually present in some sessions. Theprograms were conducted to optimise overall product quality by guiding the artisans and also sharingwith them, designs prepared by designers from EPCH, with the aim to give the best possible productquality for both production and marketability.

Traditional Dress Making and Embroidery Cluster, Sipajhar, Assam

Gorchiga Traditional Handloom Cluster, Lakhimpur, Assam

Terracotta Dolls & Toys Cluster, Asharikandi, Dhubri, Assam

Sargam Village, Bishnupur District, Manipur

Skill Development TrainingJacquard Loom at Silk KhadiCluster, Hajo, AssamPragatisil Khadi Samity, ImplementingAgency of the Silk Khadi Cluster, Hajo,in association with the Indian Instituteof Entrepreneurship (IIE) and ExportPromotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH),conducted this program at Silk KhadiCluster, Hajo, Assam, from 8th to 22ndOctober 2020 and 1st to 15th February2021, for a total of 261 women artisans

in the cluster. Under the project 250 modern jacquard looms were provided among the artisans. The aimwas to develop diversified handloom products like Eri Stole, Traditional Muga dress, Eri cushion cover,Mulberry Silk, etc. The main objective was to provide adequate training skills to the artisans in using ofJacquard loom and other weaving machineries which will help increased efficiencies in production processresulting in job satisfaction. The artisans were divided into two batches and for which a master trainerwas engaged throughout the training.

Distribution of Tool KitsImplementing Agencies(IA) of various clusters, in association with EPCH, NER, and Indian Institute ofEntrepreneurs, Guwahati, organised distribution of tool kits for handicrafts artisans.

Silk and Handicraft Cluster, Kaliabor, Assam

Tool Kits were distributed among the artisans from Ouguri and Dolgaon Villages


Field VisitsField visits were conducted by EPCH, NER at the various clusters with an objective to observe the usesof machinery installed at Common Facility Centres (CFCs) and also to interact with the beneficiaries whohave received handloom and sewing machine under Hard Intervention of the project.

Traditional Dress Making and Embroidery Cluster, Kokrajhar, Assam

Eastern and North East Region Theme Pavilions and State Pavilionsat international trade platforms and trade connect programsWith an objective to spread awareness aboutsustainable & heirloom crafts and exclusivehandlooms & silk products from NER, aswell as facilitate market exposure to artisansand upcoming entrepreneurs from this region,EPCH organised NER Theme Pavilions atIHGF Delhi Fair virtual during the year.Entrepreneurs from these regions alsoparticipated in The India Toy Fair Virtual2021 and displayed toy crafts andcollectibles. Participants have been ableto reach out to both domestic and overseasbuyers and learn of their customer tastes& market trends.

IHGF Delhi Fair Virtual-July 202013th-19th July 2020

IHGF Delhi Fair Virtual-November 20204-9 November 2020

The India Toy Fair Virtual 2021February to 4th March 2021

(*Gorchiga Traditional Handloom Cluster - Women Development Centre, Lakhimpur; Impa Handloomand Handicraft Cluster, Tamenglong, Manipur - Renu Handloom and Handicraft Co-operative Society;Silk Handloom andHandicrafts Cluster - Sanathoi Silk Handloom and Handicraft Co-operative SocietyLtd., Imphal East, Manipur; Silk Khadi - Pragatisil Khadi Sammittee, Kalitakuchi, Hajo, Assam; Bambooand Cane Craft Cluster, Mokokchung, Nagaland - Rudichulare Multi Purpose Cooperative Society Ltd.;Traditional Dress Making and Embroidery Cluster, Sipajhar, Darrang, Assam - GRIB; Chapar TerracottaCluster, Dhubri, Assam - Brahmaputra Valley Organization (BVO); Dokra Craft Cluster, Chandipur, Abhirampur,Purba Barddhaman, West Bengal - Swatirtha Charitable Trust)

Mr. Shantmanu, IAS, Development Commissioner(Handicrafts) speaking at the inauguration of the NERPavilion at IHGF Delhi Fair-Virtual 2020


Handicraft Technical Training Programs - Traditional Hand Embroidery;Bamboo Craft; and Crochet Lace CraftEPCH with financial support from O/o DC(Handicrafts), and in association with NGOPrayas, conducted Handicraft TechnicalTraining Programs in Himachal Pradesh withan aim to help the artisans increaseproduction, create employability andimprove their livelihood. They were:

Traditional Hand Embroidery at Kheri,Sujanpur; Baijnath, Trehal and Kangra

Bamboo Craft at Rait, Kangra

Crochet Lace Craft at Purli, Sujanpur,Hamirpur

The HTTP was completed on 20th January2021. To create hybrid products, EPCHinvolved designers from NIFT, Kangra andtrainers from Barmer and Palampur in theprogram. Tool Kits too were distributed.All the programs were were organised asper the NSQF aligned job role and2 programs with 20 artisans in each batchwere trained. They were closely monitored and facilitated by the Assistant Director, O/o DC(Handicrafts),Mr. Avdesh Thakur and EPCH team for better outcome of the project.

Integrated Development and Promotion of Handicraft Project of HimachalPradesh inauguratedThe Govt. of Himachal Pradesh has appointed EPCH as Project Management and Technical Advisor forthe Integrated Development and Promotion of Handicraft. O/o DC (Handicrafts) has approved the projectto Directorate Industries, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh. 25 Handicraft Technical Training Programs, 12Design Development Workshops, formation of 6 Producer Group companies, Base Line Survey of 12,000crafts persons as well as Brand Promotion activities are part of the project. Major crafts covered underthe project are Kullu Shawl and Kinnaur Shawl as art wear, Hand Embroidery, Chamba Rumal, Applique

EPCH Focus on Crafts of Himachal PradeshThe Govt. of Himachal Pradesh has appointed EPCH as Project Management and TechnicalAdvisor for the Integrated Development and Promotion of Handicraft. At the 6 Craft Clusters,EPCH assisted Directorate Industries, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh for implementation ofIntegrated Development and Promotion of Handicraft Project in Himachal Pradesh. Asimplementer of this project, and with support from the O/o Development Commissioner(Handicrafts), EPCH conducted various programs in the State for Comprehensive Developmentof Himachali crafts that are in a nascent state right now. The objective is to educate andgroom crafts persons/artisans/primary producers in the state so that its optimum potentialis achieved with empowerment, livelihood enhancement and market reach through skilldevelopment and hand holding initiatives.


Craft, Bamboo Craft, Metal Craftand Wooden Craft. This projectwas formally inaugurated on 27thJanuary 2021 virtually withMr. H R Sharma, IAS, DirectorIndustries, Govt. of HimachalPradesh; Mr. Ravi K Passi,Chairman, EPCH; Dr. RakeshKumar, Director General, EPCH;Mr. R K Verma, Executive Director,EPCH; Deputy Director, Industries,Govt. of Himachal Pradesh; andGeneral Managers for DistrictIndustries joined the inauguration.

Export Promotion, DigitalMarketing, Packaging, QualityCompliances and Design & ProductDevelopmentEPCH organised a series of seminars in HimachalPradesh in February and March 2021 on ExportPromotion, Digital Marketing, Packaging, QualityCompliances and Design & Product Development. Theywere on 16th February 2021 at Hamirpur; 17th February2021 in Sujanpur; and 13th March 2021 in Palampur.A total of 154 artisans and entrepreneurs from Bambooand Hand Embroidery craft cluster of Hamirpur andKangra district participated. Experienced guest facultywere engaged. The aim was to train artisans to solvechallenges faced by them, understand better utilisationof opportunities, and to gain better understandingof product development, design & marketingtechniques in the sector.

Visit to HTTP inBamboo CraftCluster of HimachalPradeshMr. Ravi K Passi, Chairman, EPCH;and Dr. Rakesh Kumar, DirectorGeneral, EPCH, visited theHandicraft Technical TrainingProgram on Bamboo Craft atNerti/Rait, District - Kangra, on18th March 2021, to observe theprogress. Mr. Passi interacted with the artisans and motivated them. Both the dignitaries saw the productsbeing developed during the program. Dr. Rakesh Kumar guided the artisans for their livelihood andalso motivated them for expansion of handicraft business in Himachal Pradesh.


Glimpses of Programs


TRAININGS &OUTREACH PROGRAMS

EPCH conducted a large number oftraining programs in hard and soft skillslike Handicrafts Technical TrainingPrograms(HTTP), Integrated Design andTechnical Development Programs, Skilland Design Training Programs as wellas RPL and Handicraft Outreach Programs,The objective was to increase thehandicraft sector’s production base withskilled workforce and design interventions.


Handicrafts Technical Training Programs(HTTP)With the objective to increase the handicraft sector’s production base by involving more and morepersons in it, EPCH, with financial support from O/o DC (Handicrafts) and under HRD Scheme, organisedHandicraft Technical Training Programs at Jaipur, Moradabad, Saharanpur, Bareilly, Birbhum, Kolkata,Narsapur, Sandur, North 24 Parganas District of West Bengal, and Kalyan, Maharashtra, in Fashion Jewellery,Metal Crafts, Hand Crochet Lace Maker, Traditional Hand Embroidery, Lambani EmbroideryJute Crafts,Terracotta- Ceramics, Blue Pottery Craft, Metal Engraving and Woodware Engraving/Carving/Etching.All programs were organised as per the NSQF aligned job role with 20 artisans in each batch. Some ofthem were for artisans from the SC/ST category. Tool Kits were also distributed. Details of programs:

Metal Engraving , Katghar, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh; 48 days, 40 artisans in 2 batches

Hand Embroidery for SC category artisans, Faridpur,Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh; 52 days, 40 artisans in 2batches

Lambani Embroidery for ST category artisans, Sandur,Bellary District, Karnataka; 52 days, 40 artisans in2 batches

Metal Crafts for ST category artisans, Thiba, Birbhum,West Bengal; 57 days, 20 artisans in 1 batch

Fashion Jewellery for ST category artisans, Thiba,Birbhum, West Bengal; 51 days, 20 artisans in 1batch

Hand Embroidery for SC category artisans, Katghar and Dhimri, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh; 52 days, 40artisans in 2 batches

Woodware (Engraving / Carving / Etching) for general category Artisans, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh;52 days, 40 artisans in 2 batches

Traditional Hand Embroidery for SC category artisans, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh; 52 days, 40 artisans in2 batches

Job Role: Hand Crochet Lace Maker, Veemuladevi and Perupalem,West Godavari Andhra Pradesh; 2 months,40 artisans in 2 batches

Final Product Maker - Fashion Jewellery for ST category artisans, Labhpur, Birbhum, West Bengal; 51days, 20 artisans in 1 batch

Final Product Maker - Metal Crafts for ST category artisans, Labhpur, Birbhum, West Bengal; 57 days, 20artisans in 1 batch

Jute Crafts for ST category artisans, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal; 60 days, 20 artisans in 1 batch

Final Product Maker - Fashion Jewellery for ST category artisans, Labhpur, Birbhum, West Bengal; 52days, 20 artisans in 1 batch

Final Product Maker - Metal Crafts for ST category artisans, Labhpur, Birbhum, West Bengal; 57 days,20 artisans in 1 batch

Job Role: Hand Crochet Lace Maker,Rameshwaram, East Godavari Distt.,Andhra Pradesh; 2 months, 40artisans in 2 batches

Traditional Hand Embroidery for SCcategory artisans, Saharanpur, UttarPradesh; 52 days, 40 artisans in 2batches

Traditional Hand Embroidery for


SC artisans, Faridpur, Bareilly, UttarPradesh; 52 days, 40 artisans in 2batches

Jute Crafts for SC & ST categoryartisans, Barasat, N 24 ParganasDistrict of West Bengal-1 program;60 days, 40 artisans in 2 batches

Terracotta- Ceramics (moulder),Kalyan, Maharashtra; 50 days, 40artisans in 2 batches

Hand Embroidery, Kolkata, WestBengal for general category artisans;52 days, 40 artisans in 2 batches

Kalamkari Hand Block Printer, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh; 2 months, 40 artisans in 2 batches

Master Trainer crafts persons from O/o DC (Handicrafts) and empanelled design faculty were engagedto facilitate the training. Prototypes were developed and displayed at the concluding event that wasfollowed by a hand-holding support program each. The quality of the program was closely monitoredby the O/o DC (Handicrafts) and EPCH Regional Convenor. To improve the quality of the program EPCHalso invited officials from DIC, DRDA, NABARD, Banksand other local Govt. administration to share informationabout various schemes available for artisans and financiallinkages.

Some Programs being conducted by EPCHcontinue as details below:Jute Crafts, Mahidapur, Kolkata, West Bengal - 50 daysprogram with 20 artisans in 1 batch

Hand Crochet Lace Maker, Rameshwaram Village, EastGodavari, Andhra Pradesh - 50 days program with 40artisans in 2 batches

Jute Crafts, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal - 50 daysprogram with 20 SC artisans in 1 batch

Integrated Design and TechnicalDevelopment ProgramsWith support from O/o DC (Handicrafts), EPCHconducted Integrated Design and TechnicalDevelopment Programs for SC category artisans in various craft clusters for regional crafts, with anobjective to upgrade existing skills and add additional skills. Each program had a Master crafts personand a designer. The programs ranging from 3 to 5 months comprised first month of preliminary surveyby the designer; design development & creating prototypes; market testing and refinement of the product;batch production; and participation in marketing events. Despite the gap in training (due to COVID19)in some programs, the training sessions were effectively managed in strengthening the participants'knowledge while enriching concrete experiences. Program details below:

Tie & Dye, Nagaur, Maharashtra - 5 months program with 40 SC category artisans

Stone Craft, Village Masurdi, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan - 5 months program with 40 SC category artisans


Blue Pottery Craft, Kot Jewar, Jaipur, Rajasthan - 5 months program with 40 SC category artisans

Hand Embroidery Craft, Bikaner, Rajasthan - 5 months program with 40 SC category artisans

Leather Craft, Ajmer, Rajasthan - 5 months program with 40 SC category artisans

Some Programs being conducted by EPCH continue as details below:Lacquerware Crafts, Channapatna, Ramnagar District, Karnataka - 5 months program with 40 SC categoryartisans

Applique Crafts, Harijan Basti, Puri District of Odisha - 5 months program with 40 SC category artisans

Kantha Embroidery, Mahidapur, Birbhum District of West Bengal- 5 months program with 40 SC categoryartisans

Cane & Bamboo Crafts, Bankura District of West Bengal - 5 months program with 40 SC category artisans

Sholpaith (Natural Fiber), Burdwan District of West Bengal - 5 months program with 40 SC categoryartisans

Kantha Embroidery, Mahidapur, Birbhum District of West Bengal- 3 months program with 40 SC categoryartisans

RPL Program conducted successfullyEPCH initiated the drive to recognise the skills of crafts persons through RPL - Best in Class EmployerProject, in collaboration with Handicraft & Carpet Sector Skill Council(HCSSC), supported by NationalSkill Development Corporation. RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning), a project of Pradhan Mantri KaushalVikas Yojana (PMKVY 2.0) scheme under Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) wasintroduced by MSDE and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to ensure wider outreach tolarge workforce across all the sectors in the country through direct partnership with Sector Skill Councils(SSCs). EPCH in collaboration with HCSSC, organised RPL - Recognition of Prior Learning Type 4-Bestin Class Employer Orientations and Assessments of 6 batches covering 300 wood engraving artisans atMysore on 9th, 10th and 11th December 2020 and 3 batches covering 150 hand embroiderers at Channapatnaon 14th & 15th December 2020. The first and second batches of Orientation and Assessments were


organised and completed at KSHDC Multi Craft Complex, Metaganahalli, Mysore. The program wasinaugurated on 9th December 2020 in the presence of Mr. Puttaswamy, Project Manager of Multicrafts;Mrs. P L Sreedevi, Regional Officer-SR, EPCH; and Mr. Syed Ibrahim.

Handicrafts Outreach ProgramEPCH and DGFT organised this export awareness seminar under Niryat Bandhu Scheme. Participantslearnt about enterining the export market and services provided by EPCH to the handicrafts fraternitywith special reference to trade fairs; schemes which MSM exporters can take benefit of such as, SFURTICluster Development Scheme, Marketing scheme, etc.; schemes and programmes implemented by DICin facilitating growth of MSME in regional crafts; salient features of Foreign Trade Policy, export proceduresand export promotion schemes.

Howrah, West Bengal: This session organised on 24th February 2021, was addressed by Mr. SatyajitBiswas, Assistant DGFT, O/o Addl. DGFT,Kolkata; Mr. Gautam Poddar, AssistantDirector, MSME - DI, Kolkata; Mr. A SinhaRoy, General Manager, District IndustriesCentre, Howrah; Mr. Subhodh Jana,Assistant Director (Handicrafts Section),O/o DIC, Howrah; Smt. Lovely Mukherjee,Senior Joint Commissioner of Revenue,Directorate of Commercial Taxes,Government of West Bengal; Mr. UjjwalBanerjee, Assistant Commissioner ofRevenue, Directorate of CommercialTaxes, Government of West Bengal; and Mr. Sushil Khaitan, Managing Director, Ashoka Exports & EasternRegion Committee Member, EPCH.

Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal:This was organised on 8th March 2021.Mr. Utpal Acharya, Jt. DGFT, O/o Addl.DGFT, Kolkata, joined the seminarvirtually. This was addressed byMr. Gautam Poddar, Assistant Director,MSME - DI, Kolkata; Mr. Avijit Kar, GeneralManager, District Industries Centre,Burdwan; Smt. Mousumi Guha, AssistantDirector, O/o DC (Handicrafts);Mr. Snighnendu K Shaw, ManagingDirector, M/s Glaxy Exports & EPCHmember exporter from Burdwan District;and Ms. Firdous Afrin Azhar from EPCH.


Skill Training Program under Comprehensive Handicraft ClusterDevelopment Scheme (Jodhpur Mega Cluster)Addressing current limitationsof the cluster in terms of lackof skilled manpower forproducing high value addedand diversified products, O/oDC (Handicrafts), sanctioneda Skill Development Programto EPCH under Jodhpur MegaCluster for Jodhpur andBarmer. EPCH carried out thetraining for artisans ofArtmetalware, Leather Craft,Hand Embroidery, AppliqueCraft, Metalware Craft, etc. Totalbatches covered during FY2020-21 is 51 with 2000 artisanscovered in the program. As partof this, standardised NSQFaligned training was imparted,which also included various softskills and entrepreneurshipdevelopment, aimed at theoverall capacity building ofartisans. The program, eachspanning 15 to 40 days and supported by District Industries, Jodhpur, Gramin Vikas evam Chetna Sansthanand Mahila Mandal Barmer Agor, was also visited by many Govt. officials from local administration likeO/o DC (Handicrafts), Jodhpur, NABARD, SBI, Gramin Marudra Bank and others.

Design Development Training Program15-day design training programs for art metalware artisans was organised from 28th December 2020-4th January 2021 and 6th-25th March 2021 at the Urban Haat, Jodhpur, under the Art Metalware CraftCluster, by EPCH and sponsored by the District Industries Center (DIC), Jodhpur.


Design Programs for Toy Craft Clusters for The India Toy Fair(Virtual)

EPCH as the Implementing Agency for the Govt. of India’s "1st India Toy Fair Virtual 2021", organisedexhibitors for the fair and as part of the ground work in preparation, worked on a strategised groundworkwith Design & Technical Development Workshops (DTDW) and Handicrafts Technical Training Programs(HTTP) at several toy making craft hubs throughout India, with support from O/o DC (Handicrafts). Theobjective was to handhold artisans and crafts persons across region specific crafts, especially fromMSME segments so that a comprehensive representation could be presented at the show. 400 artisansbenefitted from 13 design workshops. Several prototypes were developed and innovations displayed atthe virtual fair. The fair was a B2B/B2C event on Virtual/Digital format due to the restrictions resultingfrom the ongoing Covid19 pandemic, was a comprehensive marketplace for the Indian toy industry.

Tanjore, Tamil Nadu : Integrated Design & Technical Development Workshop in GI tagged Tanjore Dolls

Chinnugonta, Village, Cuddapah, Andhra Pradesh : Design Development Program for Raja Rani Dolls

Nirmal, Telangana : 2 months Design and Technical Development Workshop on Nirmal Toys

Kailashapatnam, Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh : 2 months Design and Technical Development Workshopon Etikoppaka Toys Craft

Kinhal, Koppal District, Karnataka : Design Development Program for Kinhal Toy Craft

Chitrakoot and Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh : Design Development Program on Wooden Toys Craft


Channapatna, Ramnagar District, Karnataka: Design & Technical Development Workshop for Woodenand Lacquerware Toys

Narsapur, Andhra Pradesh : Handicrafts Technical Training Program for Lace Craft/Toys

Indore, Madhya Pradesh : Design and Technical Development Workshop on Leather Toy Craft

Kathputli Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan : 2 months Design and Technical Development Workshop on WoodenToys

Kondapalli, Krishna Distt., Andhra Pradesh : 2 months Design and Technical Development Workshop onKondapalli Toys

Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh : 5 months Integrated Design & Technical Development Project in WoodenToys Craft

The new designs developed during the Design Workshops were conceptualised and developed as perbuyer preference. These products were displayed in India’s first virtual Toy Fair held from 27th Februaryto 2nd March 2021. About 180 artisans were reported to have participated from the toy clusters nurturedand groomed by EPCH.


TRADE EVENTSGlobal supply chains & international trade were disruptedowing to travel restrictions and lockdowns imposed withthe Covid19 pandemic breakout. This crisis led to thecancellation of EPCH’s most awaited IHGF Delhi Fair-Spring,scheduled for its 49th edition from 16th to 20th April 2020.During this time, EPCH engaged with member exportersby organising audio/video webinars and came up with theidea of virtual fairs so that business continues uninterrupted.A series of webinars were conducted to apprise the memberson the concept of virtual fairs and a complete handholdingwas done through a team of technical as well as designexperts. A rigorous publicity campaign via e-mailers as wellas tele-calling, was undertaken to motivate buyers worldover to take part in the shows. Besides, support of Indianmissions and embassies was sought to disseminate theinformation to buyers in their countries. Indian Fashion Jewellery& Accessories Show - IFJAS, thus started the journey ofEPCH’s virtual B2B meets, followed by IHGF Textiles VirtualFair and two editions of EPCH’s flagship event-IHGF DelhiFair. EPCH was also the implementation organisation forthe Govt. of India’s first India Toy Fair Virtual and organisedexhibitor participation for the show successfully.


On the 1st day of 'Unlock 1' after a long lockdown, a history was created in EPCH as the first virtual fairas the Indian Fashion Jewellery & Accessories show-IFJAS 2020 was inaugurated on 1st June 2020. Thepandemic crisis gave EPCH, an opportunity to explore possibilities in the virtual eco system. More than200 member exporters dealing in fashion jewellery & accessories products were part of the show. Amongvirtual visitors were several overseas buyers and buying representatives as well as domestic volumeretail buyers. Products on display included, Fashion Jewellery; Semi-Precious Jewellery; Stoles, Scarves& Shawls; Belts, Waistbands & Wallets; Hand Bags, Purses & Pouches; Head & Hair Accessories; HandmadeAttires; Embroidered, Beaded, Sequined Accessories; Fancy Footwear; Beads, Stones & Components;and Dresser Accessories.

The platform, powered by advanced information technology had various sections like, a Lobby, ExhibitionHalls with virtual booths, Auditorium, Trend Pavilion and Resource Centre. The Briefcase feature facilitateda bag/ cart in which visitors could collect any object, video or information and access it later, downloaddocuments, images etc. in one go, to view later.

The virtual IFJAS, though in a very different form, extended the sector's reach and warmed up to a widebusiness network. Manufacturer exporters of fashion jewellery & accessories welcomed the idea of theshow taking on a virtual route and thanked the organisers of turning it around from the verge of cancellation.They made all-out efforts to make their booth presentation a complete and wholesome representationof their company and work. Many had prepared videos and catalogues of their new lines, especially forthe show. Exhibitors also had the opportunity to showcase their factories, showrooms, compliance certifications,etc., through videos and photographs.

A new product category that emerged this season was face masks and protective accessories like gloveswith some exhibitors presenting very innovative lines in these. Some of them had introduced a combinationof scarves & masks. Overall, exhibitors have received good response and enquiries for their productsfrom overseas buyers.

The show was replete with Craft Demonstrations, Ramp Sequences, Panel Discussions and Webinars.There were Certificates for Best Virtual Booths at the show.

Indian Fashion Jewellery &Accessories Show (Virtual)1-4 June 2020

Virtual Venue Entrance


A vigorousp u b l i c i t ycampaign wasundertaken byEPCH to motivatebuyers from worldover to take partin the virtual show, through online mediums suchas digital advertisements on websites, e-mailer invite,social media campaign, creating events on socialmedia platform, short films, launch video, instagramvideo, introduction e-mailer, explainer video,advertisements on Youtube, Poster for Google Advt.,old buyer video+testimonials, jewellery makingvideos, online advertisements in Trade Magazines,EDM/E-Blast, tele-calling, etc. This created the desiredawareness amongst the overseas buying communityand EPCH received good response from them. IndianMissions and Embassies also disseminatedinformation about the virtual show to the buyersin their respective countries. In addition, they placedthe advertisements/information on their Mission'swebsite. The virtual fair was widely covered by Indianprint and electronic media as well.

Certificates for Best Virtual BoothsVirtual Lobby

Inauguration

Virtual Trend Pavilion Virtual Ramp Show Area

Virtual Resource Centre Virtual Auditorium


Emailers for Overseas Visitors

Events Scheduler

Craft Demonstrations

Ramp Shows


IHGF Textiles Fair (Virtual)15-18 June 2020

Following the success of its first virtual fair, EPCH launched its second product specific virtual fair - IHGFTextiles Virtual Fair. More than 350 member exporters dealing in home textiles, furnishing & flooringproducts were part of the show. Among virtual visitors were several overseas buyers and buying representativesas well as domestic volume retail buyers. Products on display included, Bed Covers; Table Linen; KitchenLinen; Bathroom Linen; Cushions & Cushion Covers; Duvet, Coverlets & Bedspreads; Lace & EmbroideryFurnishings; Rugs & Throws; Duvets, Quilts & Coverlets; Tapestries & Draperies; Handloom, Jacquardand Power Loom Fabrics; Silk & Zari Furnishing; Curtains & Blinds; Upholstery Fabrics; Wall & CeilingCoverings and Wall Hangings; Hammocks; Floor Coverings, Carpet & Rugs; Jute, Bamboo & HandmadeFabric Products; and Trimmings, Embellishments & Accessories.

Besides several overseas buyers from countries like Australia, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, USA,UK, Spain, New-Zealand, Canada, UAE, Turkey, Japan, Israel, Germany and France, domestic retail volumebuyers from some of leading brands like, Bombay Store Ltd, Synergy Lifestyles, Fabindia Overseas Pvt.Ltd., Goodearth Design Studio Pvt. Ltd., Reliance Retail, Walmart, Asian Paints Ltd., Raymond Limitedand Sleepwell pre-registered to visit and source their requirement from the fair.

Powered by advanced information technology this internet-enabled international trade platform providedround-the-clock services like online product promotion, match-making and business negotiations. Itfacilitated direct communication exchange between exhibitors and attendees with interactive featuresviz. live chat, chat rooms, Q&A, webinars, webcasts, etc. Exhibitors in this show too (like those in IFJASvirtual) experienced the altogether different atmosphere of being in a virtual fair. The platform hadvarious sections like the Lobby, Exhibition Halls, Auditorium, Trend Pavilion, Resource Centre and Briefcase.

The virtual edition of IHGF Textiles 2020 showcased designs and exquisiteness of Indian traditional textilesand home furnishings. Buyers could explore from a variety of textile furnishings in fusion techniques,appliqué, tie & dye, hand block printing, embroidery, zari craft, quilting, flocking, patchwork, mirror andbead work, lacework, trims & tassels, etc. that encompassed a breath-taking array of traditional Indiancraftsmanship combined with modern functionality. A huge variety in cushion covers, table & kitchenlinen, bed covers, bath linen, rugs & throws, curtains & tapestry were some of the product options.

Keeping with the momentum of sustainable fashion trends and requisites, IHGF Textiles Virtual Fairfeatured manufacturers and suppliers striving to do their bit to ensure that buyers and their end consumerssource responsibly. Besides the staple cottons and wool, other nature derivatives like jute, water hyacinth,cane & bamboo, stones, shells, seeds, etc. and recyclable components brought in exclusive inspirationalselections enhanced with inimitable value additions.

The show featured Craft Demonstrations and Webinars. There were Certificates for Best Virtual Boothsat the show.

Virtual Venue Entrance Virtual Lobby


Certificates for Best Virtual Booths

Craft Demonstrations Emailers for Overseas Visitors


Virtual Trend Pavilion Virtual Hall


49th IHGF Delhi Fair (Virtual)13th-19th July 2020

The 49th edition of IHGF-Delhi Fair was the first of its kind efforts attempted by any Export PromotionCouncil to overcome the situation arisen due to the Covid outbreak, when organising physical fairsbecame impossible. The Golden Book of World Records certified this edition as the first handicraftproducts virtual trade fair, spread over 25 virtual halls and participated by more than 1300 manufacturersand exporters from India. In continuance to presenting Indian handicrafts sector's resilience in the Covidera, EPCH organised this show with a well spread representation of the Home, Lifestyle, Fashion, Furnitureand Textiles segments. Seeing the overwhelming response, the show, that begun on 13th July 2020, wasextended by a day.

With India's leading home, lifestyle, fashion & textiles manufacturer-exporters among its regular participants,IHGF Delhi Fair has inspired buyers from the world's leading brands to source new product lines inhouseware, home furnishing, furniture, gifts, decoratives, lamps and lighting, Christmas & festive décor,fashion jewellery & accessories, spa and wellness, carpets and rugs, bathroom accessories, garden accessories,educational toys & games, handmade paper products & stationery and leather bags. Approximately4150 overseas buyers from 108 countries, buying agents and domestic volume retail buyers visited tosource from 12 product categories.

Among highlights at the show were Theme areas and collective displays of crafts from the North EasternRegion as well as Jammu & Kashmir. 12 Webinars and a Panel Discussion on a variety of topics wereconducted by Indian as well as international experts from various fields, in course of the fair. Besides,the fair also featured virtual Ramp Presentations and enthralling craft demonstrations of 11 differentcraft forms by National Awardees. The virtual show concluded with EPCH felicitating exhibitors for bestvirtual display at the fair in various categories, women entrepreneurs and associates as well as organisationsfor their significant contribution in making the 49th edition of IHGF-Delhi fair on virtual platform, asuccessful event.

The Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi extended his good wishes to EPCH on the organisatonof show in a virtual format amidst Corona crisis and said, it reflects the indomitable spirit to continuefurthering the efforts to strengthen the handicrafts sector. Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, Hon'ble Union Ministerof Textiles & Minister of Women and Child Development while inaugurating the fair said, during theCorona pandemic, EPCH brought its internationally sought after IHGF Delhi Fair on virtual platform inwhich large number of exporters could showcase the beauty and workmanship of Indian handicrafts.Small, micro and medium exporters of India will be happy to engage with buying agents, buying housesfrom across the world in the virtual fair. She wished success for everyone associated with the show.



Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon'ble Union Minister of Commerce & Industry said that holding of the fair on avirtual platform means giving everyone a new experience in this period of Covid crisis. Mr. Ravi CapoorIAS, Secretary Textiles, Ministry of Textiles said, as usual EPCH is in the forefront in this situation andhas taken lead in organising a first of its kind mega virtual fair in which large number of buyers andsellers can converge.

It was a win-win situation for the handicrafts exporting community who participated in the IHGF DelhiFair on the virtual platform as exporters were feeling helpless because of prolonged lockdowns andmigration of artisans to their home towns starting from March, 2020 onwards. It became difficult forthem to meet out even the fixed cost being incurred by them. The virtual platform created by EPCHproved to have provided a fruitful opportunity to these handicraft exporters to bring back their businessonto a recovery path by doing business from the safe environment of their homes/ factories.



Emailer for Overseas VisitorsRamp Shows

Virtual Lobby

Virtual Auditorium

Virtual Trend Pavilion

Virtual Ramp Show Area

Virtual Resource Centre

Virtual Virtual Booth Virtual Theme Pavilion

Virtual Schedule of Events


50th IHGF Delhi Fair (Virtual)4-9 November 2020

The 50th edition of IHGF Delhi Fair concluded after successfully hosting 4360 buyers from 116 countriesas well as domestic volume retail buyers and buying agents during its virtual edition. 1400 leadingexporters from various manufacturing hubs and craft clusters of India set up their stalls in 25 virtual hallsat the show, confirming to 12 well-defined categories. In addition, around 14 exhibitors from major toymanufacturing clusters displayed their products on the virtual platform.

Following the success of its 49th edition held in mid-July 2020, the 50th edition opened its doors fora grand virtual rendezvous with several engaging onsite experiences. The platform was vibrant andcomplete with a wide variety and new innovations in Gifts, Decoratives, Furniture & accessories, Houseware& Utility, Lamps & Lighting, Christmas & Festive Décor, Carpets, Rugs & Floor Accessories, Garden &Outdoor, Handmade Paper Products and Stationery, Candles, Incense & Potpourri, Leather Bags & Cases,Fashion Jewellery & Accessories and plenty of Sustainable as well as responsibly manufactured productsand new introductions - artistically crafted face masks and face covering accessories as well as artisanalproducts. This virtual route of an iconic physical show without compare worldwide was a leap of faithfor its patrons. Harnessing technology and connecting grassroot artisans with exporters and further withbuyers to present their wares, earned much acclaim with the grand success of the week long show. Thefair presented the Indian handicrafts sector's resilience in the Covid era.

Among highlights at the show were, a Regional Crafts Pavilion, virtual Ramp Presentations, Trend Forecastscapturing evolving global consumer tastes and upcoming trends and enthralling craft demonstrationsof 10 different craft forms by National Awardees and eminent regional artisans. 4 insightful Webinarsand a Panel Discussion on a variety of topics were conducted by experts from various fields, in courseof the fair. The virtual show concluded with EPCH felicitating exhibitors for best virtual display at thefair in various categories, women entrepreneurs and associates as well as organisations for their significantcontribution in making the 50th edition of IHGF-Delhi fair on virtual platform, a successful event.

This edition of IHGF Delhi Fair-Virtual 2020 was inaugurated by Mr. Ravi Capoor, IAS, Secretary, Textiles,Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India; Also, virtually present were Mr. Shantmanu IAS, DC (Handicrafts),Ministry of Textiles; Mr. Ravi K Passi, Chairman, EPCH; Mr. Raj K Malhotra and Mr. Kamal Soni, ViceChairmen, EPCH; Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH; Mr. R K Verma, Executive Director, EPCH;members of the Committee of Administration, exhibitors and buyers.

The seven days of IHGFDelhi Fair -Virtual 2020saw a good traffic ofbuyers. Their footfall wastestimony to the fact thatthe world is open forbusiness in the 'newnormal' with the marketsgradually opening upand that this show ticksall boxes for many buyers.



Craft Demonstrations

Inauguration (Remotely)

Seen above Mr. Ravi Capoor, IAS, Secretary, Textiles, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India giving his inauguraladdress (top row left); Mr. Shantmanu IAS, DC (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles (top row right); Mr. RaviK Passi, Chairman, EPCH (middle row left); Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH (middle row right);Mr. Raj K Malhotra (bottom row left) and Mr. Kamal Soni (bottom row middle), Vice Chairmen, EPCH;Mr. R K Verma, Executive Director, EPCH (bottom row right)



Virtual Trend Pavilion


Virtual Lobby

Virtual Virtual Booth


Show Previews Emailers for Overseas Visitors

Invitation Emailers for Participants

Banners on leading international e-publication portals


The Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, in line with the theme of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" and "Get vocalfor local" campaigns, projected this "1st India Toy Fair Virtual 2021" as the most preferred marketingplatform for toys within the Indian domestic market as well as abroad, as a marketplace for the Indiantoy industry. EPCH as a nodal agency organised this fair as a B2B/B2C event on Virtual/Digital formatdue to the restrictions resulting from the ongoing Covid19 pandemic.

In preparation and based on the Central Theme - ‘Promote ‘Right to Play’, Encourage Innovation, BuildHigh-class Manufacturing, Enhance Domestic Demand & Exports’, EPCH worked on a strategised groundworkwith Design & Technical Development Workshops at several toy making craft hubs throughout India.Artisans, crafts persons and entrepreneurs were hand-held across region specific crafts, especially fromMSME segments. The show became an ideal platform for integrating a variety of diverse exhibitors/manufacturers across Indian clusters under one umbrella, as well as to identify new markets within onlinegaming, science, math, technology, engineering, etc. It strongly underlined the spirit of ‘Vocal for localtoys’, local artisans, crafts persons and toy manufacturers.

The virtual exhibition during the India Toy Fair 2021 aimed to include variety of toy related exhibitorsincluding Toy Clusters; Crafts persons (Special Awardees); Manufacturers (Indian Brands); Exporters; FairTrade Organisations; Self Help Groups (SHGs); Associations/ Promotional Organisations such as EPCs/Boards/State Corporations/ Chambers; Doll Museums / Toy Stores; Design Centres; Start Ups few likee.g. Smartivity / Skillmatics; as well as Partner States. 1,074 exhibitors from over 30 states and unionterritories participated in the virtual Fair, representing the length and breadth of the country. StatePavilions were created on the virtual platform to showcase their toy related policies, clusters, initiatives,and plans by means of official videos, photographs, documents, social media links, and websites. Atotal of 11 States were represented : Gujarat, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra,Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.

Throughout the fair, several panel discussions, webinars and activities were planned on various topicswith the aim of addressing the toy industry holistically. Ministry of Textiles and EPCH anchored CraftDemonstrations - Varanasi's Wooden Toy Cluster, Channapatna, Etikoppaka, Koppal's Kinhal and KondapalliToy Cluster as well as Jaipur's Kathputli Nagar, Narsapura and Asharikandi Clusters. Other activities were,Embracing Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Drone Technologies in the Toy Industry, anchored byDST and CII; Online Activity for School Children by Dost Education (NGO) on Importance of Toys in

The Hon'ble Prime Minister ofIndia, Shri Narendra Modiinaugurated the first ‘The IndiaToy Fair’ - a virtual event, on27th February 2021 via videoconferencing. He interacted withartisans from craft clusters:Channapatna in Karnataka;Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh andJaipur in Rajasthan. As the artisansshared their stories andexperience of toy-making, thePrime Minister suggested that

innovation and competition in toy-making can fuel India's “vocal for local” campaign and can populariseindigenous Indian toys both in the domestic and global markets. The event, scheduled for 4 days wasextended by 2 days, finally culminating on 4th March 2021.

The India Toy Fair (Virtual)27th February to 4th March 2021


Child's Development, anchored by Department of School Education, Dost Education and FICCI; VirtualTour of Shankar Doll Museum, New Delhi, anchored by Ministry of Textiles and EPCH; Making toys withlocally available materials for playing with children from birth to six years, Demonstrating and Making'Play & Learn Toy' with waste material available at home by Pratham as well as Make your own toys oncinematic theme, anchored by UNICEF; and Virtual Visit to Centy Toys (Toy Manufacturing Unit), anchoredby TAI / TAITMA.

Participation and visitation - Live Views

Hon’ble PM’s interaction with artisans ofvarious toy clusters

Traditional Toys on Display

Fair Website Launch: View of event website being launched by Union Ministers of the Govt. of India,namely; Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, Minister of Textiles (2nd from left); Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal, Minister ofEducation (3rd from left); and Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry (3rd from right);

A view of the audience during website launch


Views of some of the many webinars / workshopsheld during the run-up to the Fair

Virtual Exhibition Ground and Hall Views

Amateur Toy DesignChallenge Winners

Professional Toy DesignChallenge Winners

Closing Ceremony: Mr. U P Singh, IAS, Secretary, Textiles,Govt. of India (middle) alongwith Mr. Shantmanu, IAS,DC (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles (right); and Dr. RakeshKumar, Director General, EPCH (left)

Participants’ Virtual Booths


BRAND IMAGE PROMOTIONS& BUYER-SELLER MEETS

The Council's objective to participate/organiseBuyer-Seller Meets and Brand ImagePromotions in select markets has been witha view to introduce and expose consumersand trade of the target market to India'shandicraft range, variety and quality. Thesepromotions and marketing activities boostedthe industry’s reach to new markets and tohave a deeper presence in established markets.During 2020-21, owing to travel restrictionsimposed by the pandemic, EPCH with thewillingness and active participation of it'smembers launched Buyer-Seller Meets in aVirtual Trade Fair Mode with a robust onlineecosystem combining most of a Meet’sfeatures with technology that madecommunication and transacting businessbetween buyers and sellers a pleasurableexperience in the age of social distancing.For brand image promotion effective use ofonline platforms was conducted strategically.


Virtual Buyer-Seller MeetsEPCH organised four virtual Buyer-Seller Meets in focused regions of Oceania, Nordic Region, WANARegion and Latin America in 2020-21 in association with Indian Missions (Embassies, High Commissions& Consulates) for member exporters and buyers & importers as given below. The Indian Embassies,High Commissions and Consulates have extended their support and wishes to EPCH for organising theabove Virtual Buyer Seller Meets reflecting the indomitable spirit of the handicraft exporting fraternityto continue furthering the efforts to strengthen the Handicrafts Sector.

Oceania Region (Focus on Australia, New Zealand & Fiji)EPCH organised its first Virtual Buyer-Seller Meet of Indian HandicraftsManufacturers & Exporters for buyersin the Oceania Region, in associationwith from Indian High Commissions &Consul General Offices in Australia, NewZealand & Fiji (Oceania Region) andwith support of Office of DevelopmentCommissioner (Handicrafts), Ministryof Textiles, Govt. of India. This 1st VirtualBuyer-Seller Meet was held from 23rdto 28th November 2021 with 126member exporters from all parts of Indiaoffering product lines in Houseware,Decorative & Gifts; Furniture & HomeAccessories; Home Textiles; Furnishings& Floor Coverings; Fashion Jewellery; Fashion Accessories & Bags; Christmas Decorations; Candles &Incense; and Lamps & Lighting. 259 buyers and 32 buying agents from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji andnearby countries visited this BSM and connected with exporters.

Nordic Region (Denmark, Finland, Norway & Sweden)EPCH, in association with Indian Embassies in Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and with support ofOffice of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India organised the

2nd Virtual Buyer Seller Meet of IndianHandicrafts Manufacturers & Exporterswith buyers of Nordic Region in Europefrom 27th January to 1st February, 2021(including 3 more extended days). 158member exporters from all parts ofIndia participated and displayed awide range of handcrafted productsin categories such as Houseware,Decorative & Gifts; Furniture & HomeAccessories; Home Textiles; Furnishings& Floor Coverings; Fashion Jewellery;Fashion Accessories & Bags; ChristmasDecorations; Candles & Incense; andLamps & Lighting. 477 buyers and 78buying agencies from Denmark,Sweden, Norway, Finland, UnitedKingdom, Germany, & France andnearby countries visited.

Mr. Shantmanu, DC (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles,Govt. of India inaugurating the BSM Virtually

Glimpses of the BSM


West Asia & North Africa (WANA Region)EPCH organised its third virtual BuyerSeller Meet for buyers in the WANARegion, in association with and withsupport from Indian Embassies, HighCommissions & Consul General Officesin West Asia & North African Countries(WANA Region) and with support ofDepartment of Commerce, Ministry ofCommerce & Industry, Govt. of India,under MAI Scheme. This was held from23rd to 26th February 2021 with 68member exporters from all parts of Indiaoffering product lines in Houseware,Decorative & Gifts; Furniture & HomeAccessories; Home Textiles; Furnishings& Floor Coverings; Fashion Jewellery;Fashion Accessories & Bags; ChristmasDecorations; Candles & Incense; andLamps & Lighting. This BSM received218 buyers and 43 buying agents fromUAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman,Kuwait, Iran, Jordan, Israel, Turkey, Egypt,Morocco and nearby countries.

LAC Region (Latin American & Caribbean Countries)EPCH, in association with Indian Missionsin Latin American & Caribbean Countries(LAC Region) and with support of Officeof Development Commissioner(Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Govt.of India organised this BSM for buyersof LAC Region from 23rd to 31st March2021 (including 6 more extended days).91 member exporters from all parts ofIndia participated and displayed a widerange of handcrafted products incategories such as Houseware,Decorative & Gifts; Furniture & HomeAccessories; Home Textiles; Furnishings& Floor Coverings; Fashion Jewellery;Fashion Accessories & Bags; ChristmasDecorations; Candles & Incense; andLamps & Lighting. This received over328 buyers and 38 buying agencies fromLatin American & Caribbean Countries(LAC Region) such as Brazil, Mexico,Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Venezuela,Chile, Guatemala, Ecuador, Bolivia, Haiti,

Cuba, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Paraguay, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, Uruguay,Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, Belize, Bahamas, Barbados, Saint Lucia, Grenada,St. Vincent & Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis and nearby countries.

HE Tanmaya Lal, Ambassador, Sweden & Latvia and Mr. RaviK Passi, Chairman, EPCH, speaking at the inauguration

Glimpses of the Virtual lobby and booths at the BSM


MEETINGS ANDREPRESENTATIONS


EPCH seeks Handicraft Units to be allowed to operate in Craft ClustersAs the lockdown extended in 2020, the Government offered some relief with respect to movement,loading, unloading of goods/cargo, inclusion of courier services and allowing certain manufacturingand industrial units to operate in SEZ and EOU, Industrial estates and industrial townships thus kick-starting the production and economic activity in the country. However, the cottage sector was left out.EPCH approached the Government to provide relief to handicrafts units operational in handicrafts clusterslike Moradabad, Saharanpur, Agra, Firozabad, Narsapur, Jaipur, Jodhpur, etc. and also consider includingthem in the guidelines as a large number of artisans and crafts persons are engaged in production ofgoods exclusively for the overseas markets. These units are registered with District Industries Centre(DIC) and have the valid RCMC of the EPCH and their inclusion would certainly help handicrafts sectorwhich is one of the employment generating, foreign exchange earning sector of the Indian economy.

EPCH Regional Committees & Mentorship GroupEPCH constituted 7 Regional Committees of Members in all 7 regions of EPCH and a Mentorship Groupof members of North West Region EPCH, to boost and strengthen export promotion efforts, to identifyissues/challenges being faced by the exporters with State / Central Govt. or similar State owned organisationin the respective regions and to prepare a framework for augmentation of exports / report and submitto the Committee of Administration (COA) EPCH for their intervention and necessary support.

Central Regional CommitteeThe first meeting ofthe EPCH CentralRegional Committeewas held on 2ndNovember 2020, overvideo conference andattended by Mr. RaviK. Passi, Chairman,EPCH; Dr. RakeshKumar, DirectorGeneral, EPCH; Mr. RajKumar Malhotra andMr. Kamal Soni - ViceChairmen EPCH; Mr. RK Verma, ExecutiveDirector, EPCH;Mr. Nabeel Ahmed,

Convener of the Central Regional Committee and COA Member, EPCH; Mr. Avdesh Chandra Agarwal,Coordinator of the Central Regional Committee; as well as 32 nominated members of the EPCH CentralRegional Committee including two women entrepreneurs. The objective of creation of the Committeeand also expectations from the Committee so as to augment exports of handicrafts from Uttar Pradeshwas shared. All the committee members were urged to actively engage in the discussions and placeproblems/suggestions before the Committee which can be addressed and taken up at the highest levelso that solutions to problems can be achieved. Key issues were discussed and the meeting concludedwith a resolve that with active participation of everyone, the exporters will be able to garner maximumsupport from the Government.

Meeting of 5 Regional Committees (NR, WR, SR, ER, NER Regions)The first meetings of Council’s 5 Regional Committees such as Northern Region (NR), Western Region(WR), Southern Region (SR), Eastern Region (ER) & North Eastern Region (NER) were held on 9th January,2021, over video conference and attended by Mr. Ravi K. Passi, Chairman, EPCH; Dr. Rakesh Kumar,Director General, EPCH; Mr. Raj Kumar Malhotra and Mr. Kamal Soni - Vice Chairmen EPCH; and Mr. RK Verma, Executive Director, EPCH.


Northern Region:Chaired by Mr. Prince Malik,Regional Convenor NR &Member COA, EPCH,coordinated by Mr. RajeshKumar Jain, Coordinator,Regional Committee NR,ER & Co-Opted MemberCOA, EPCH and attendedby 35 nominated membersof EPCH Northern RegionalCommittee.

Western Region: Chairedby Mr. Ashok Boob,Regional Convenor WR & Member COA, EPCH, coordinated by Mr. Karan Jethwani, Coordinator, RegionalCommittee, WR and attended by 18 nominated members of EPCH Western Regional Committee.

Southern Region: Chaired by Mr. K N Tulasi Rao, Regional Convenor SR & Member COA, EPCH, coordinatedby Mr. K L Ramesh, Coordinator, Regional Committee SR & Co-Opted Member COA, EPCH and attendedby 15 nominated members of EPCH Southern Regional Committee.

Eastern Region: Chaired by Mr. O P Prahladka, Regional Convenor ER & Member COA, EPCH andcoordinated by Mr. Rajesh Kumar Jain, Coordinator, Regional Committee NR, ER & Co-Opted MemberCOA, EPCH and attended by 22 nominated members of EPCH Eastern Regional Committee.

North East Region: Chaired by Mr. Jesmina Zeliang, Regional Convenor NER & Member COA EPCHand attended by 8 nominated members of EPCH North East Regional Committee.

The objective of creation of the Regional Committees is to identify the issues pertaining tothe problem and challenges being faced by the exporters of respective regions including specific products/clusters and to suggest remedial measures to counter such issues with intervention/support from respectiveStates Government/ Central Government. Mr. Avdesh Chandra Agarwal, Coordinator of the Central RegionalCommittee, EPCH, was part of above regional meetings and suggested that the members of the respectiveregions identify the expectations on handicrafts & exports from Central & States Government in upcomingbudget and forward the same to the Council for onward submission with concerned authorities.

All the committee members were urged to actively participate in the discussions and place problems/suggestions before the Committee which can be addressed and taken up at the highest level so thatsolutions to problems can be achieved. Key issues were discussed and the meeting concluded with aresolve that with active participation of everyone, the exporters will be able to garner maximum supportfrom the Government. The Council prepared the points/suggestions received by the regional committeemembers to strengthen the exports and submitted the same to the states Government and Central Governmentrespectively for consideration in the upcoming States / Central Budget.

EPCH Mentorship Group of North West Region (NWR) meetingThe meeting of EPCH Mentorship Group of North West Region (NWR) was held on 9th January, 2021,over video conference and attended by Mr. Ravi K. Passi, Chairman, EPCH; Dr. Rakesh Kumar, DirectorGeneral, EPCH; Mr. Raj Kumar Malhotra and Mr. Kamal Soni - Vice Chairmen EPCH; Mr. R K Verma,Executive Director, EPCH; Mr. Lekhraj Maheshwari, Convener of the North West Regional and COA Member,EPCH; Mr. Dileep Baid, Member COA EPCH; Mr. Hansraj Baheti, Member COA EPCH; Mr. Manish Mehta,Coordinator of the NWR Mentorship Group & Regional Committee; as well as 28 nominated membersof the EPCH NWR Mentorship Group including three women entrepreneurs. Mr. Avdesh Chandra Agarwal,Coordinator of the Central Regional Committee, EPCH, attended this meeting.


The members were urged to activelyengage in the discussions and placeproblems/suggestions of the region.Key issues were discussed and themeeting concluded with a resolve thatwith active participation of everyone,exporters will be able to garnermaximum support from the CentralGovernment as well as StateGovernment (Rajasthan & MadhyaPradesh). The points / suggestions werereceived from the members of NWRregion to strengthen the exports andthe Council submitted the same to the

State Governments and Central Government respectively for consideration in the upcoming budget.

Handicrafts Industry Represented in high level Committee Meetingof Govt. of India for RoDTEP SchemeOn 10th December 2020, an EPCH delegation led by Mr. Ravi K Passi, Chairman, EPCH, comprising memberexporters from various craft clusters, presented its case for RoDTEP (Remission of Duties or Taxes onExport Products), to a High Level Committee meeting headed by Mr. G K Pillai, former Secretary to Govt.of India & Chairman, RoDTEP, to make Indian products cost-competitive and create a level playing fieldfor them in the global market. The committee also interacted with the delegation members representingindividual product categories, to take their feedback.

Pre-Budget Memorandasubmitted for givingimpetus to StateHandicraft ExportsPre-Budget Memoranda with emphasison specific areas towards givingimpetus to State/Region’s handicraftssector, were submitted to concernedoffices at various State GovernmentSecretariats and Ministry of Textiles,by EPCH’s Regional Convenors andCOA members. The memoranda

entailed a slew of suggested policy measures and interventions to meet objectives of employment enhancementdirectly/indirectly and increase in exports in the next 3 years. A well-defined State Handicraft Policy wassuggested alongwith support and financial assistance for physical/virtual trade show organisation/facilitation;marketing support to SME units for domestic and international trade fair participation; enhancement ofdigital presentation and online portal for providing market linkages to artisans and SME Units; infrastructuredevelopment for overseas marketing; logistics support as well as freight subsidy; ehancement of limitfor generation of E-way bill for intra-state supply; reduction of custom duties on capital goods fortechnology up-gradation towards success of missions like “Make in India” and Atma Nirbhar Bharat” aswell as reforms in current GST regime; exemption of cost towards power infrastructure and subsidies forsetting up solar power in exporter units; making Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE) moreuser friendly; for fostering investment and entrepreneurship development, equity participation by theGovt. in export business, initiatives for entrepreneurship development through tax waivers and encouragingforeign direct investment in handicraft sector; Public-Private Partnership projects in form of Raw MaterialBanks, testing labs and handicraft parks as well as establishment of “Centre of Excellence” or “Traditional


Art Museum” at tourist locations and development of existing industrial areas by introducing nominalcharges for land conversion; development of product based clusters; entrepreneurship and human resourcedevelopment; skill development and design support with cluster development focus, salary subsidy toexporters for hiring designers, group medical insurance policy and pension schemes for manpower engagedin exporter units and establishment of a design institute of national repute in the state capital if thestate already doesn’t have one, among other things.

Details of additional/State specific suggestions below:

Delhi: Employment enhancement by over 20%; Increase in exports by 20-25%; Support and financialassistance sought for Buyer-Seller Meets in the capital, etc.; deemed export to also get benefits of export;handholding of exporters for various certifications like US-GAAP, ISO, etc. to help them in terms ofbetter access to overseas markets; and while Delhi State Industrial policy has already provisioned fortying up with players in fashion design industry such as NIFT, NID etc. for skill development and scholarshipsto selected artisans, higher emphasis may be extended by Delhi Government to foster association withthese institutions.

J&K : Employment enhancement by over 15%; Increase in exports by 28-30%; Support and financialassistance sought for setting up of exhibition centre, online portal for providing market linkages toartisans and SME Units, etc.; development of export promotion industrial parks; inland container depotin valley; subsidies on compliance certifications; and standardisation of GST rates for handicraft sectoron lines with carpet sector.

Rajasthan : Need for instituting Handicraft Development and Export Policy for the State to augmentproduction of handicrafts and add fillip to employment generation in the State emphasised. A detailedroad map submitted and opening of an extension of DC (Handicrafts) office in Barmer District of Rajasthanto provide Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Schemes (CHCDS) and other services toabout more than 2.5 lakh artisans based at Barmer district of Rajasthan State, suggested. Request forexemption of Fire NOC charges for SME industrial units and awards for persons above 60 years of agefor having made commendable endeavor in handicraft sector.

West Bengal : Employment enhancement by over 10%; Increase in exports by 15-20%; Support andfinancial assistance sought for organising Buyer-Seller Meets in prominent cities, falling draft in theKolkata Port be addressed through the continuation of dredging subsidy, provision of alternative transportationthrough rail to major ports of India and well defined scheme for natural fibers, etc.; initiatives forentrepreneurship development through tax waivers; establishment of a design institute of national reputein the state capital.

Maharashtra : Employment enhancement by over 15%; Increase in exports by 15-20%; Support andfinancial assistance sought to promote Geographical Indication (GI) crafts through thematic exhibitionsin various parts of the country, online portal for providing market linkages to artisans and SME Units,self-employment and entrepreneurship development in handicraft sector, initiatives for entrepreneurshipdevelopment through tax waivers and stamp duty exemption for acquiring new land; institutional tie-ups for technology up-gradation, reducing custom duties on capital goods for technology upgradationand timely issue of GST refund.

Karnataka : Employment enhancement by over 15%; Increase in exports by 15-20%; Support andfinancial assistance sought to promote Geographical Indication (GI) crafts through thematic exhibitionsin various parts of the country, online portal for providing market linkages to artisans and SME Units,Buyer-Seller Meets in prominent cities of Karnataka, travel subsidy for eligible exporters for overseasmarket exposure visits, etc.; ease of doing business through enhancement of limit for generation ofE-way bill for intra-state supply; lowering of import duty for(bamboo sticks); institutional tie-ups fortechnology up-gradation; development of export strategy for handicrafts; promotion of entrepreneurship;Public Private Partnership projects like establishment of testing labs/ quarantine labs at ports; establishmentof a design institute of national repute in the state capital.


Secretary Textiles visits TFC, Jodhpur and interacts with EPCHmember exporters, visits exhibition cum craft demonstrationMr. Upendra Prasad Singh, IAS, Secretary Textiles, Govt. of India, visited the under construction TradeFacilitation Centre (TFC), Jodhpur on 23rd March 2021, along with Ms. Mudita Mishra, Addl. DevelopmentCommissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles; and Mr. Nikhil Verma, Addl. Development Commissioner(Handloom). He interacted with Mr. Lekhraj Maheshwari, COA Member and Convenor, NWR, EPCH;Mr. Manish Mehta, Regional Coordinator, EPCH NWR Mentorship Group; Mr. Hansraj Baheti, COA Memberfrom Jodhpur; Mr. Nirmal Bhandari, President, FHEA, Jodhpur; Mr. Bharat Dinesh, President, JHEA;Mr. Piyush Bhandari - Secretary JHEF; Mr. S Vishnoi, President, Laghu Udyog Bharti; and other NWRmembers as well as prominent EPCH member exporters. The Secretary Textiles visited the Centre andshowed keen interest in the facilities developed by the Council for the service of its member exporters.EPCH also organised a small exhibition and live demonstration by the artisans of Hand block Printing,Hand Embroidery, Leather Mojri, Punja Durries, Tie & Dye, etc. There was also a display and live demonstrationby the Gramin Vikas Evam Chetna Sansthan, Barmer. Prior to this, on 1st February 2021, Mr. Ravi K Passi,Chairman, EPCH; Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH; and Mr. RK Verma, Executive Director, EPCH,had called on the Secretary-Textiles and presented an overview of the handicrafts sector and its presentissues like, shortage of containers, increase in raw material prices and others.


CHEMS - CENTRE FOR HANDICRAFT EXPORTS MANAGEMENT STUDIES

INFRASTRUCTURE IN CRAFT CLUSTERS

DESIGN REGISTER

SUPPORT INITIATIVES FORCAPACITY ENHANCEMENT& BUSINESS PROTECTION


Centre for Handicraft Exports Management Studies (CHEMS)CHEMS offers aCertificate course inHandicraft ExportManagement atMoradabad, Delhi,Jodhpur, Jaipur andSaharanpur. As part of itseducation initiativestowards developinge x e c u t i v e - l e v e lmanpower for thehandicraft sector, EPCHlaunched this institute. CHEMS has continued to provide skilled middle-level managers to the handicraftindustry. Having completed 07 batches in all the above centres (03 batches currently running) 135 candidateshave successfully completed the Certificate course during 2020-21. CHEMS successfully secured placementfor all willing candidates within EPCH member exporters and member buying agents.

The fifth batch in Moradabad was initiated on 21st March 2021. They were mentored and inspired byMr. Ravi K Passi, Chairman, EPCH; Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH; Mr. Kamal Soni, Vice President,EPCH; Mr. Nabeel Ahmed, Member COA-EPCH; and Mr. Avdhesh Agrawal, Coordinator, Regional Committee-Uttar Pradesh, EPCH, with life experiences, insights and individual journeys in the industry.

Launch of Design RegisterEPCH Design Register - Design Register Service Platformconceptualised for protecting designs of member exporterswas launched on 17th April 2020, at a webinar on IntellectualProperty Rights (IPR). Seven member exporters from all acrossthe country simultaneously registered their designs on the designregister platform and tested the efficacy. The need and relevanceof incorporating best practice features in the unique first in itsclass Design Register Service Platform was shared along withthe objective of launching the copyright protection platform. The platform is maintained by EPCH withthe objective to create awareness amongst its member exporters and facilitate them to register theirdesign/product/material/article, created by them, under the Design Register, that would work as a codeof conduct of the handicrafts exporters, for the handicrafts exporters and by the handicrafts exporters.

Jodhpur: Trade Facilitation CentreFor further development and trade promotion of the Jodhpur Mega Cluster, an all-encompassing facilityfor a Trade Facilitation Centre (TFC) was envisaged with an objective to provide the necessary infrastructureand support services comparable to international standards to host buyers, designers and resource personsand provide all required support services. For this purpose, six acres of land was acquired from RIICOat Boranada and construction of the TFC has been completed. It would serve as a platform to -holdtrade fairs, retail exhibitions, buyer-seller meets, special promotional events, conduct workshops, conferencesand fashion events.

Narsapur: International Lace Trade CentreThe International Lace Trade Centre (ILTC) at Narsapur set up by EPCH has facilities of exhibition halls,auditorium, open-air theater, meeting rooms, training space, ample facilities for craft bazaar, accommodationfor buyers and designers, besides administrative set up and allied facilities. The process of setting upa dyeing unit and chemical treatment plant for lace & crochet products has been initiated.


SOCIAL INITIATIVES

FITNESS AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES& AWARDS


Distribution of Face Masks and Sanitisation KitsEPCH, in collaboration with VisionSpring India and Gramin Vikas SevaSansathan, Barmer, conductedstructured and process drivenawareness and training generationthrough hygiene kit distribution in thecraft clusters /communities to artisansfor safe resumption of their day- to-day activities. Under its CSR initiative,EPCH distributed sanitization kits to16,500 households in Barmer districtof Rajasthan. Under strategicpartnership with Vision Spring, EPCH devised on a road map to counter Covid-19 self and safety guidelinesin major craft clusters of Rajasthan like Barmer District including 154 villages covering approximately66,500 artisans and other locals by organizing Eye Screening Camps, distribution of protective eyewear'salong with face mask and Sanitization Kit distribution.

CSR initiative for cancer care and awarenessUnder its CSR initiative, EPCH isnow supporting "bcpbf - TheCancer Foundation for organisingGRIT FOR LIFE", a uniquefundraising endeavour in totalsupport of economicallyunderprivileged cancer afflictedIndians.'bcpbf -The CancerFoundation is a not for profitorganisation working forproviding medical services fortreatment of Breast Cancer tothose who cannot afford thetreatment and to increase

knowledge among those unaware of the disease, by reaching out to them through awareness camps,public lectures, seminars, corporate health checks, etc. The program formally launched on 17th November2020 at JW Marriott, Aerocity, New Delhi, in the presence of Mrs. Rony Yedidia Clien, Deputy Ambassadorof Israel in India; Mr. Purshottam Bhaggeria, Moldavian Counsel General in India; Mr. Ravi K Passi, Chairman,EPCH; Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH; and Mr. R K Verma, Executive Director, EPCH, alongwith Mr. Sandeep Gupta, Owner, JW Marriott, Aerocity, New Delhi, Dr. Sameer Kaul; Ms. Mridul Arora;Mr. Manjit Singh, Senior Vice President, Cycling Federation of India; and Mr. Vicki Bedi, The Challenger.Together, they pledged their support to GRIT FOR LIFE. India TV pledged its support to the program.Mr. Vicki Bedi, an eminent Logistic Entrepreneur, cycled 2800 kms from Delhi on 18th November 2020to various cities in 14 days (Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer, and Jaipur) in Rajasthanand back, in a bid to raise money for cancer management amongst economically deprived communitiesin India. This grueling solo cyclothon, also saw corporate leaders cycle stretches with the challenger. Theinitiative included Cancer Detection Camps at EPCH's artisans cluster in Barmer on 23-24th November2020; Cancer Awareness Public Lecture at Jaisalmer on 21st November 2020 and at Jodhpur on 27thNovember 2020.

EPCH took a first of its kind initiative by constituting a Fitness and Sports Committee (FASCO) in 2017to organise various health camps, yoga conventions, sports and outdoor activities. As part of this, a T20cricket match was organised in 2020-21. EPCH also observed the International Yoga Day.


International Yoga Day observed virtuallyEPCH observed the International YogaDay (21 June 2020) virtually with thetheme, ‘Yoga from Home’. This yeardue to the pandemic, performance ofyoga in public places was not possible.Shri Shantmanu, DevelopmentCommissioner (Handicrafts) was theChief Guest. Among invited speakerswere, Dr. Arunima Sinha, Senior Artof Living faculty; Dr. Nitin Agarwal,National Secretary, Vishwa AyurvedaParishad & Managing Director, BlissAyurveda Pvt. Ltd. & Health Village,Greater Noida; Dr. Era Dutta, MD,Psychiatry & ConsultantNeuropsychiatrist, Fortis Healthcare Life,Kolkata; and0 Mr. Mohit Dahiya, HathYoga practioner. The session wasvirtually graced by Mr. Ravi K Passi,Chairman, EPCH; Mr. Raj K Malhotra,Vice Chairman, EPCH; Mr. Prince Malik, Coordinator, FASCO; Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH;Mr. R K Verma, Executive Director, EPCH; and members of Committee of Administration, EPCH. Theyadvocated regular practice of asnas and Pranayama; ayurvedic home remedies to enhance the immunesystem; and importance of wellness. Various yoga aasnas were demonstrated and Best Yoga performercertificates were also given on the occasion in various categories like most flexible body, most fit body,best yoga performer, youngest yogis and elderly yogi.

Cricket MatchA T20 Challenge match was played on 21st February 2021, between EPCH member exporters from Delhiand Panipat at Sports Maidan, Gurugram, Haryana. Mr. Ravi K Passi, Chairman, EPCH; Dr. Rakesh Kumar,Director General, EPCH; and Chief Guest - Mr. Sachin Khurana, a celebrity from Bollywood (model &TV actor); members of Committee of Administration-EPCH; and a large number of member exporterswere present. Mr. Devinder Singh (M/s Sahib International)captained Team Panipat, Mr. Prince Malik(M/s Osyrus) headed Team Delhi. Team Delhi won the match and the Trophy was presented to them bythe Chief Guest, Mr. Sachin Khurana; Mr. Ravi K Passi, Chairman, EPCH; and Dr. Rakesh Kumar, DirectorGeneral, EPCH. From Team Delhi Mr. Manu Gulati was declared "Best Batsman" and Mr. Vineet Bhatiaas “Best Fielder”. Member exporters from Panipat and Delhi were present in large numbers and everyoneappreciated the efforts of EPCH for organising these kinds of stress busting activities for its members.


Amity UniversitiesGroup confers ‘AmityExport ExcellenceAward’ on EPCHAcknowledging and highlighting theimportance of Global Leadership,International Business Summit &Research Conference of Asia - 21stINBUSH ERA WORLD SUMMIT 2021,was organised virtually by AmityUniversities Group, Noida, fromFebruary 17th to 19th, 2021. The event

witnessed the participation of over 500 Thought Leaders, Management Gurus, Ambassadors & HighCommissioners, Vice Chancellors, Deans and Directors, Corporate leaders and students from almost 115countries. During the virtual summit, EPCH was conferred the prestigious ‘Amity Export Excellence Award’and on behalf of the Council, this was received by Mr. Ravi K. Passi, Chairman, EPCH. In the citationread on the occasion, EPCH’s contribution to the handicrafts sector was lauded as a game changer formillions of artisans and also the positive impact on the export industry.

74th Independence Day and 72nd Republic Day celebratedThe 74th Independence Day and 72nd Republic Day were celebrated in various stations with a flag-hoisting ceremony and singing of the national anthem, conducted while observing Covid related SOPs.

EPCH House, New Delhi

Narsapur Jaipur

Jodhpur

Saharanpur


EXPORT PERFORMANCE2020-21

As per the export data handicrafts exportsduring 2020-21 amounted Rs.25,679.98 crores

in comparison to Rs. 25270.14 crores in 2019-20.Details of the export figures and the

graphical representation appear in following pages.


Category-wise Export Share (%) of Handicrafts during 2020-21

Exports of Handicrafts (Category-wise)

ProductgroupIn US$ Millions

*2019-20 *2020-21(April-March)

*2019-20 *2020-21(April-March)

70.8974 74.2249

Incr./Decr.in % over2019-20

In ` Crores

*Data Source : DGCI&S, Kolkata

Artmetalwares 13.02

Woodwares 25.78

Handprinted Textiles & Scarves 9.60

Embroidered & Crocheted Goods 17.13

Shawls as Artwares 0.01

Zari & Zari Goods 0.47

Immitation Jewellery 4.87

Agarbatties and Attars 4.73

Misc. Handicrafts 24.39

Incr./Decr.in % over2019-20

Artmetal Wares 3457.50 3344.01 -3.28 487.68 450.52 -7.62

Woodwares 5494.85 6620.85 20.49 775.04 892.00 15.09

Handprinted Textiles 2543.11 2463.99 -3.11 358.70 331.96 -7.45

Embroidered & Crochetted Goods 4206.36 4399.77 4.60 593.30 592.76 -0.09

Shawls as Artwares 2.19 2.39 9.19 0.31 0.32 4.30

Zari & Zari Goods 121.41 120.10 -1.08 17.12 16.18 -5.51

Imitation Jewellery 1582.36 1250.37 -20.98 223.19 168.46 -24.52

Agarbatties & Attars 1106.30 1214.86 9.81 156.04 163.67 4.89

Misc. Handicrafts 6756.06 6263.64 -7.29 952.93 843.87 -11.44

TOTAL 25270.14 25679.98 1.62 3564.33 3459.75 -2.93


Country-wise Export Share (%) of Handicrafts during 2020-21

Exports of Handicrafts (Country-wise)(excluding hand knotted carpets)

CountryIn ` Crores

2019-20 2020-21In US $ Millions

2019-2070.8974

Incr./Decr. in %over 2019-20

*Based on 167 ITC HS Codes **Data Source: DGCI&S, Kolkata

AUSTRALIA 2.71

CANADA 1.88

FRANCE 3.85

GERMANY 5.93

ITALY 1.44

JAPAN 0.62

NETHERLAND 5.58

UAE 6.11

SWITZERLAND 0.28

U.S.A. 38.38

U.K. 6.4

LAC 1.82

OTHER COUNTRIES 25

Incr./Decr. in %over 2019-20

2020-2174.2249

AUSTRALIA 596.06 696.77 16.90 84.07 93.87 11.66

CANADA 424.12 482.31 13.72 59.82 64.98 8.62

FRANCE 962.11 989.19 2.81 135.70 133.27 -1.79

GERMANY 1530.61 1522.04 -0.56 215.89 205.06 -5.02

ITALY 449.37 368.72 -17.95 63.38 49.68 -21.63

JAPAN 181.50 159.72 -12.00 25.60 21.52 -15.95

NETHERLAND 1140.72 1431.75 25.51 160.90 192.89 19.89

UAE 1745.65 1570.16 -10.05 246.22 211.54 -14.09

SWITZERLAND 119.53 72.26 -39.55 16.86 9.74 -42.26

U.S.A. 8820.15 9855.31 11.74 1244.07 1327.76 6.73

U.K. 1682.12 1644.17 -2.26 237.26 221.51 -6.64

LAC 426.63 467.00 9.46 60.18 62.92 4.56

OTHER COUNTRIES 7191.57 6420.58 -10.72 1014.36 865.02 -14.72

TOTAL 25270.14 25679.98 1.62 3564.33 3459.75 -2.93


Exports of Artmetal WaresCountry-wise Share (%) in Export ofArtmetal Wares during 2020-2021

Country-wise Exports of Artmetal Wares(in ̀ Crores)

Country 2019-20 2020-21 % increase/decrease

Australia 56.81 60.59 6.65

Canada 62.50 57.81 - 7.5

France 72.18 92.82 28.6

Germany 393.16 240.02 - 38.95

Italy 47.45 37.60 - 20.76

Japan 17.23 17.43 1.16

Netherland 101.42 110.37 8.82

UAE 239.26 184.92 - 22.71

Switzerland 7.20 6.09 - 15.42

U.S.A. 913.57 1101.51 20.57

U.K. 262.81 240.26 - 8.58

LAC 63.31 54.53 - 13.87

Other Countries 1220.60 1140.06 - 6.6

TOTAL 3457.50 3344.01 3.28

Australia 1.81

Canada 1.73

France 2.78Germany 7.18

Italy 1.12

Japan 0.52Netherland 3.3

Exports of WoodwaresCountry-wise Share (%) of Woodwares

during 2020-2021Country-wise Exports of Woodwares

(in ̀ Crores)

Country 2019-20 2020-21 % Increase/Decrease

Australia 164.61 219.70 33.47

Canada 147.06 162.92 10.78

France 403.90 412.35 2.09

Germany 533.53 702.92 31.75

Italy 60.83 68.12 11.98

Japan 12.98 12.29 - 5.32

Netherland 460.34 684.31 48.65

UAE 116.37 119.71 2.87

Switzerland 7.79 6.90 - 11.42

U.S.A. 2418.50 2938.18 21.49

U.K. 330.76 369.66 11.76

LAC 36.35 40.66 11.86

Other Countries 801.83 883.13 10.14

Total 5494.85 6620.85 20.49

Australia 3.32Canada 2.46

France 6.23

Germany 10.62Italy 1.03

Japan 0.19

Netherland 10.34

UAE 1.81Switzerland 0.1

U.S.A. 44.38

U.K. 5.58LAC 0.61

Other countries 13.33


U.S.A. 32.94

U.K. 7.18LAC 1.63

Other Countries 34.1


Exports of Handprinted TextilesCountry-wise Share (%) of Handprinted

Textiles during 2020-2021Country-wise Exports of Handprinted Textiles

(in ̀ Crores)


Australia 58.49 44.83 - 23.35

Canada 25.08 64.01 155.20

France 36.40 36.86 1.26

Germany 90.56 60.39 - 33.31

Italy 32.99 30.48 - 7.61

Japan 68.05 29.72 - 56.33

Netherland 54.41 28.03 - 48.48

UAE 440.86 594.15 34.77

Switzerland 3.32 12.06 263.25

U.S.A. 392.95 488.42 24.30

U.K. 113.68 129.79 14.17

LAC 11.22 14.10 25.67

Other Countries 1215.10 931.15 - 23.37

Total 2543.11 2463.99 - 3.11

Australia 1.82

Canada 2.6


Italy 1.24


UAE 24.11

Switzerland 0.49

U.S.A. 19.82U.K. 5.27

LAC 0.57

Other Countries37.78

Exports of WoodwaresCountry-wise Share (%) of Embroidered &

Crochetted Goods during 2020-2021Country-wise Exports of Embroidered &Crochetted Goods (in ̀ Crores)


Australia 126.74 167.85 32.44

Canada 63.16 76.26 20.74

France 246.75 265.27 7.51

Germany 126.27 124.93 - 1.06

Italy 132.80 100.72 - 24.16

Japan 26.96 29.56 9.64

Netherland 116.09 138.28 19.11

UAE 344.29 210.71 - 38.80

Switzerland 14.87 18.88 26.97

U.S.A. 1783.13 2077.05 16.48

U.K. 200.11 201.04 0.46

LAC 49.88 39.57 - 20.67

Other Countries 975.31 949.65 - 2.63

Total 4206.36 4399.77 4.603


France 6.03


Japan 0.67

Netherland 3.14


U.S.A. 47.21

U.K. 4.57LAC 0.9



Exports of Shawls as ArtwaresCountry-wise Share (%) of Shawls as

Artwares during 2020-2021Country-wise Exports of Shawls as Artwares

(in ̀ Crores)

Country 2019-20 2020-21 % Increase/Decrease

Australia 0.06 0.02 - 66.67

Canada 0.03 0.00 -

France 0.07 0.03 - 57.14

Germany 0.33 0.15 - 54.54

Italy 0.23 0.09 - 60.87

Japan 0.02 0.08 300

Netherlands 0.02 0.05 150

UAE 0.11 0.00 -

U.S.A. 0.14 1.35 864

U.K. 0.01 0.01 -

LAC 0.07 0.03 - 57.14

Other Countries 1.10 0.58 - 47.27

Total 2.19 2.39 9.13

Australia 0.79

Canada 0


Italy 3.77

Japan 3.35

Netherlands 1.89

U.S.A. 56.49

U.K. 0.36LAC 1.44

Other countries 24.45

Exports of Zari & Zari GoodsCountry-wise Share (%) of Zari & Zari

Goods during 2020-2021Country-wise Exports of Zari & Zari Goods

(in ̀ Crores)


Australia 0.01 0.20 10

Canada 0.09 0.10 11.11

France 0.64 0.39 - 39.06

Germany 1.75 1.27 - 27.43

Italy 0.53 0.31 - 41.51

Japan 2.84 2.15 - 24.30

Netherlands 0.03 0.00 -

UAE 21.12 60.18 184.94

U.S.A. 2.51 1.85 - 26.29

U.K. 0.77 0.29 - 62.34

LAC 0.88 0.79 - 10.23

Other Countries 90.24 52.57 - 41.74

Total 121.41 120.10 - 1.08


France 0.32


Japan 1.79

UAE 50.11U.S.A. 1.54

U.K. 0.24

LAC 0.66Other Countries43.77


Exports of Agarbattis and AttarsCountry-wise Share (%) of Agarbattis and

Attars during 2020-2021Country-wise Exports of Agarbattis and Attars

(in ̀ Crores)


Australia 27.08 48.65 79.65

Canada 8.07 12.10 49.94

France 12.66 18.13 43.21

Germany 8.90 14.91 67.53

Italy 4.88 6.76 38.52

Japan 6.81 8.10 18.94

Netherlands 18.46 26.60 44.10

UAE 124.90 53.58 - 57.10

Switzerland 1.02 1.83 79.41

U.S.A. 149.24 220.87 48.00

U.K. 66.90 89.56 33.87

LAC 102.35 136.94 33.80

OTHER Countries 575.03 576.83 0.31

Total 1106.30 1214.86 9.81

Australia 4

Canada 1


Italy 0.56


UAE 4.41

Switzerland 0.15

U.S.A. 18.18U.K. 7.37

LAC 11.27


Exports of Imitation JewelleryCountry-wise Share (%) of Imitation

Jewellery during 2020-2021Country-wise Exports of Imitation Jewellery

(in ̀ Crores)


Australia 30.83 29.05 - 5.77

Canada 17.24 9.18 - 46.75

France 37.88 34.80 - 8.13

Germany 35.28 22.21 - 37.05

Italy 21.10 15.38 - 27.11

Japan 12.37 5.59 - 54.81

Netherlands 35.48 27.71 - 21.90

UAE 158.83 150.99 - 4.94

Switzerland 6.79 4.43 - 34.76

U.S.A. 365.68 290.15 - 20.65

U.K. 126.43 87.77 - 30.58

LAC 21.99 11.68 - 46.88

Other Countries 712.46 561.43 - 21.20

Total 1582.36 1250.37 - 20.98


France 2.78


Japan 0.45

Netherland 2.22


U.S.A. 23.21

U.K. 7.02LAC 0.93

Other Countries 44.9


Exports of Miscellaneous HandicraftsCountry-wise Share (%) of Miscellaneous

Handicrafts during 2020-2021Country-wise Exports of MiscellaneousHandicrafts (in ̀ Crores)


Australia 131.43 125.88 - 4.22

Canada 100.89 99.93 - 0.95

France 151.63 128.54 - 15.23

Germany 340.83 355.24 4.23

Italy 148.56 109.26 - 26.45

Japan 34.24 54.80 60.05

Netherland 354.47 416.40 17.47

UAE 299.91 195.92 - 34.67

Switzerland 78.54 22.07 - 71.90

U.S.A. 2794.43 2735.93 - 2.09

U.K. 580.65 525.79 - 9.45

LAC 140.58 168.70 20.00

Other Countries 1599.90 1325.18 - 17.17

Total 6756.06 6263.64 - 7.29

Australia 2.01

Canada 1.6


Italy 1.74


UAE 3.13

Switzerland 0.35

U.S.A. 43.68U.K. 8.39

LAC 2.69



DIRECTORS’ REPORT


Report of Committee of Administration(with reference section 134 of Companies Act, 2013)

ToThe MembersExport Promotion Council for HandicraftsYour members of Committee of Administration have pleasure in submitting their 35th Annual Report on thebusiness and operations of the Council together with the Audited Financial Statements of the Council for thefinancial year ended 31st March, 2021.

Financial Results / State of Council's AffairsThe summarised financial results of the Council are given in the table below:

State of Affairs of the Councila ) The Council is engaged in the business of Export Promotion of Handicrafts from Country.b) There has been no change in the business of the Council during the financial year ended 31st March, 2021.

Details Related to Dividend and Transfer of Unclaimed Dividend to Investor Education and Protection FundBeing a Section 8 Company, the Council is prohibited to declare dividend to its members

Material Changes and Commitment (if any) affecting the Financial Position of the Council which haveoccurred between the end of the Financial Year to which this Financial Statement relate and the date ofthe ReportThere have been no material changes and commitments affecting the financial position of the Council between theend of the financial year to which this Financial Statement relate i.e. March 31, 2021 and the date of this Report.

Particulars of Loans, Guarantees or Investments made under Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013The Council has not given any loans, guarantees or investments covered under the provisions of section 186 ofthe Companies Act, 2013.

Particulars of Contracts or Arrangements made with Related PartiesDuring the year under review, the Council has not entered into any contract or arrangement with its relatedparties requiring disclosure in Form AOC-2 and hence the same in not annexed to this Report.

82,71,75,284

11,43,42,032

94,15,17,316

93,74,97,518

40,19,798

14,26,841

25,92,957

–

25,92,957

–

25,92,957

Financial Year Ended31/03/2021 31/03/2020

Particulars

29,10,83,453

11,47,42,460

40,58,25,913

41,70,87,749

(1,12,61,836)

14,26,842

(1,26,88,678)

–

(1,26,88,678)

–

(1,26,88,678)

Revenue from Export Promotion Activities and Subscription from Members

Other Income

Total Revenue

Total Expenditure

Excess of income over Expenditure before exceptional andextra-ordinary items and tax

Less: Exceptional Items

Excess of income over Expenditure before extra-ordinary items and tax

Less: Extra-ordinary items

Excess of income over Expenditure before tax

Less: Tax Expense

Excess of Income over Expenditure for the period


Details of Subsidiary, Joint Venture or Associate CompaniesThe Council does not have any Subsidiary, Joint venture or Associate Company.

Change in the Nature of BusinessThere has been no change in the nature of business activities of the Council during the financial year ended 31stMarch, 2021.

DepositsThe Council has neither accepted/ renewed any Deposits from the public during the year nor has any outstandingDeposits in terms of Chapter V of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the allied Rules.

Share CapitalThe Council is a Company limited by Guarantee and does not have share capital.

Internal Financial ControlsThe Council has implemented well established internal financial control practices, tool for mitigating non-compliances risk and internal Code of Business Conduct in order to ensure adequate internal financial controlcommensurate with the size of the Council.

Number of Board Meetings conducted during the Year Under ReviewThe Board met 5 (Five) times during the financial year 2020-21 viz. on 01st May, 2020, 21st August, 2020, 07thSeptember, 2020, 12th October, 2020 & 15th December, 2020.Further, there was no resolution passed by circulation by the Board pursuant to the provisions of Section 175of the Companies Act, 2013.

Directors and Key Managerial Personnel- Details of Directors of the Council as on date is as under:

Following Director were appointed / resigned during the FY 2020-21:* Mr. Sudhir Kumar Tyagi and Mr. Naved Ur Rehman retired as COA Member w.e.f. 30th September, 2020# Mr. Hemant Juneja and Mr. Neeraj Khanna were appointed as COA Member w.e.f. 30th September, 2020

Sr. No. DIN Name of the Director1 00212905 Ravinder Kumar Passi2 00351158 Dileep Baid3 00448503 Sagar Mehta4 00464783 Raj Kumar Malhotra5 00508498 Dinesh Kumar Aggarwal6 00737520 Om Prakash Prahladka7 01141526 Lekh Raj Maheshwari8 01297673 Prince Malik9 01449590 Sudhir Kumar Tyagi*10 01493760 Arshad Hussain Mir11 02984834 Tulasirao Naga Kalavakolanu12 03149714 Jesmina Zeliang13 03376408 Ashok Boob14 06974807 Naved Ur Rehman*15 05353720 Hansraj Baheti16 06967745 Kamal Soni17 08659454 Sharad Kumar Bansal18 03266790 Nabeel Ahmad19 09039188 Hemant Juneja#20 07864931 Neeraj Khanna#


Particulars of Remuneration to the Committee of Administration ('COA') Members (Directors), Key ManagerialPersonnel and other EmployeesThe Council, being section 8 company and does not have share capital, is not required to comply with theprovisions of Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5 of the Companies Rules, 2014.

COA Members (Directors) Responsibility Statement:In accordance with the provisions of Section 134(3(c) read with Section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, theCommittee of Administration hereby submits that:a ) In the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting standards had been followed along

with proper explanation relating to material departures;b) The COA Members (directors) had selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and

made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of thestate of affairs of the Council at the end of the financial year and of the Income and Expenditure of theCouncil for that period;

c) The COA Members (directors) had taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accountingrecords in accordance with the provisions of this Act for safeguarding the assets of the Council and forpreventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities; and

d) The COA Members (directors) had prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis.

Transfer to ReservesThe Committee of Administration of the Council transferred an amount of Rs. 21,47,500/- to General Reservefrom Capital Fund and Rs. 3,00,00,000/- transferred from Building Reserve for the financial year ended March31, 2021.

Annual Performance EvaluationBeing a Section 8 Company without having share capital, the provision related to inclusion of a statement,indicating the manner in which formal annual evaluation has been made by the Board of its own performanceand that of its committees and individual directors, in the Board's Report, is not applicable on the Council.

Statement Concerning Development and Implementation of Risk Management Policy of the CouncilThe Council has adequate Risk Management Policies though the element of risk threatening the Council's existenceis very minimal

Corporate Social ResponsibilityThe brief outline of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Policy of the Council and the initiatives undertakenby the Council on CSR activities during the year under review are set out in Annexure A of this report in theformat prescribed in the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014.

Secretarial Audit ReportThe provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Appointment and Remunerationof Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 related to Secretarial Audit are not applicable on the Council.

Statutory AuditorsIn terms of the provisions of Section 139 of the Companies Act, 2013, the Members of the Council at their 34thAnnual General Meeting (AGM) has appointed M/s. Jain Kapila Associates, Chartered Accountant (Firm RegistrationNo.000287N) as Statutory Auditors of the Council for a period of one year to hold office until the conclusionof 35th AGM. The COA proposed to appoint M/s. Jain Kapila Associates, Chartered Accountant (Firm RegistrationNo.000287N) as Statutory Auditors of the Council for a period of one year to hold office until the conclusionof 36th AGM.

Cost Records & AuditProvision of Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the allied Rules, the provisions related to CostAudit are not applicable on the Council.


Explanation or Comments on Qualifications, Reservations or Adverse Remarks or Disclaimers made by theAuditorsThere was no qualification, reservation or adverse remark or disclaimer made by M/s. Jain Kapila Associates,Statutory Auditors of the Council in their Audit Report for the financial year ended 31st March, 2021 and henceno explanation or comments of the Board is required in this matter.

Details of Fraud Reported by AuditorsDuring the year under review, no fraud has been reported by the Auditors to the Committee of Administrationunder Section 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013.

Details of Significant and Material Orders Passed by the Regulators or Courts or TribunalsDuring the year under review, no significant and material order was passed by the Regulators or Courts orTribunals which affects the Going Concern Status of the Council and its future operations.

Extract of Annual ReturnAn extract of Annual Return in Form No. MGT-9 as required under Section 92 and 134 of the Companies Act,2013 read with the allied Rules for the financial year ended 31st March, 2021 is available at EPCH website i.e.www.epch.in.

Web Address where Annual Return Referred to in Section 92(3) has been placedThe Members of the Council can access the Annual Return at www.epch.in

Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption, Foreign Exchange Earnings and OutgoA. Conservation of Energy and Technology Absorption

Not ApplicableB. Foreign Exchange Earnings & Outgo (Equivalent to INR)

Particulars 31.03.2021 31.03.2020Earnings – –Outgo 77,12,425/- 16,48,38,352/-

Declaration from Independent DirectorsThe Council being a Section 8 company is not required to appoint an Independent Director in terms of theprovisions of Section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies Rules, 2014.

Nomination and Remuneration PolicyThe Council being a Section 8 company is not required to comply with the provisions of Section 178 of the CompaniesAct, 2013 read with the Companies (Meetings of the Board and its Powers) Rules, 2014.

Audit Committee The Council is not required to appoint Audit committee in terms of the provision of Section 177 of the companiesAct, 2013.

Vigil MechanismThe provisions related to establishment of a vigil mechanism for Directors and Employees to report genuineconcerns as provided in Section 177 of the Companies Act 2013 read with the Companies (Meetings of Boardand its Powers) Rules, 2014 are not applicable on the Council.

Disclosure under Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act,2013The Council is committed to provide a safe and conducive work environment to its employees. Your COA Members(Directors) further state that during the year under review, no case of sexual harassment was filed under theSexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.


As on March 31, 2021, the Council has complied with the provisions relating to constitution of Internal ComplaintsCommittee under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act,2013

Compliance with Applicable Secretarial StandardsBeing a Section 8 company, the Council is not required to comply with the applicable Secretarial Standardsissued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, as amended from time to time.

Acknowledgements:Your members of Committee of Administration acknowledge with gratitude and thanks for encouragement andco-operation extended to it by the Ministry of Textiles, Commerce, Finance, Office of the Development Commissioner(Handicrafts), office of the Director General of Foreign Trade, Office of the Commissioner of Drawback, Departmentof Customs, other Ministries and Department of Government of India and Members of the Council withoutwhose encouragement and active assistance, the council would not have been able to successfully undertakemany of its activities. The council is also grateful to the Indian Missions Aborad, Overseas Missions in India andthe various publicists and media for their assistance and support extended to the Council. The Committee thanksthe Director General, Executive Director and Officers and Staff of the council for their devotion, sincerity andhard work to carry out the work of the Council.

For and on behalf of the Committee of AdministrationExport Promotion Council for Handicrafts

Sd/- Sd/-Dated: 28th August, 2021 (Ravinder Kumar Passi) (Raj Kumar Malhotra)Place: New Delhi Designation: COA Member Designation: Chairman

DIN: 00212905 DIN: 00464783


Annexure A

Annual Report on CSR Activities to be included in the Board's ReportA brief outline of the Council's CSR policy, including overview of projects or programs proposed to beundertaken and a reference to the web-link to the CSR policy and projects or programs Your Council iscommitted to conduct its business in a socially responsible, ethical and environmentally friendly manner andto continuously work towards improving quality of life of the communities in its operational areas. The CSRpolicy adopted by the Committee of Administration is appended and is also available on the website at www.epch.in1. Average net Income over Expenditure of the company for last three financial years: Rs. 7,13,42,050/-2. Prescribed CSR expenditure (two percent of the amount as in item 1 above): Rs. 14,26,842/-3. Details of CSR spent during the financial year:

(a) Total amount to be spent for the financial year: Rs. 38,12,094/-(b) Amount unspent, if any: Rs. 19,63,318(c) Manner in which the amount spent during the financial year is detailed below:

4. The Council had started and planning for spend unutilized CSR fund on the scheme for financialassistance to the children of artisans/workers for Education under CSR initiatives.

5. A responsibility statement: The Corporate Social Responsibility committee of the company herebyconfirms that the implementation and monitoring of CSR policy, is in compliance with the CSRobjectives and policy of the Company.

For and on behalf of the Committee of AdministrationExport Promotion Council for Handicrafts

Sd/- Sd/-Dated: 28th August, 2021 (Ravinder Kumar Passi) (Raj Kumar Malhotra)Place: New Delhi Designation: COA Member Designation: Chairman

DIN: 00212905 DIN: 00464783

(1) CSR Projector activityidentified

Projects orprograms(1) Local area orother(2) Specify thestate and districtwhere projectsor programs wasundertaken

Amountoutlay(budget)project orprogramswise

Cumulativeexpenditureupto thereportingperiod

Amount spenton the projectsor programsSub heads:(1) Directexpenditure onprojects orprograms(2) Overheads

Amountspent: Director throughimplementingagency

(1)1

2

3

4

(2)CSR Project

CSR Project

CSR Project

CSR Project

(3)PM CareFundFood kitsDistributionduringlockdownShop atKevadiaCancerAwarenessProgram atBarmer

Sector inwhich theproject iscovered

(4)COVID-19

Moradabad,Uttar Pradesh

Kevadia, Gujrat

Barmer,Rajasthan

(5)25,00,000/-

5,00,000/-

6,79,680/-

1,32,414/-

(6)25,00,000/-

5,00,000/-

6,79,680/-

1,32,414/-

(7)25,00,000/-

5,00,000/-

6,79,680/-

1,32,414/-

(8)Direct

Direct

Direct

Direct


ANNUAL ACCOUNTS2020-21

The Audited Balance Sheet of the Councilas on 31st March, 2021, together with

the annexed Income and Expenditure Accountsas at 31st March, 2021, appear in the following pages.


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

ToThe Members ofExport Promotion Council for Handicrafts

Report on the Financial StatementsWe have audited the accompanying financial statements of EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL FORHANDICRAFTS ("the Company") which comprise the Balance Sheet as at March 31, 2021, the Income &Expenditure Account and Cash Flow Statement for the year then ended, and a summary of significantaccounting policies and other explanatory information.

Management's Responsibility for the Financial StatementsThe Company's Management is responsible for the matters stated in Section 134(5) of the CompaniesAct, 2013 ("the Act") with respect to the preparation of these financial statements that give a true andfair view of the financial position, financial performance and cash flows of the Company in accordancewith the accounting principles generally accepted in India, including the Accounting Standards specifiedunder Section 133 of the Act, read with Rule 7 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014. This responsibilityalso includes maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of theAct for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting frauds and otherirregularities; selection and application of appropriate accounting policies; making judgments andestimates that are reasonable and prudent; and design, implementation and maintenance of adequateinternal financial controls, that were operating effectively for ensuring the accuracy and completenessof the accounting records, relevant to the preparation and presentation of the financial statementsthat give a true and fair view and are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditors' ResponsibilityOur responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.We have taken into account the provisions of the Act, the accounting and auditing standards andmatters which are required to be included in the audit report under the provisions of the Act and theRules made thereunder.We conducted our audit in accordance with the Standards on Auditing specified under Section 143 (10)of the Act. Those Standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and performthe audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from materialmisstatement.An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and the disclosuresin the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor's judgment, including theassessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud orerror. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal financial control relevant to theCompany's preparation of the financial statements that give a true and fair view in order to designaudit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing anopinion on whether the Company has in place an adequate internal financial controls system overfinancial reporting and the operating effectiveness of such controls. An audit also includes evaluatingthe appropriateness of the accounting policies used and the reasonableness of the accounting estimatesmade by the Company's Management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financialstatements.We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis forour audit opinion on the financial statements


OpinionIn our opinion and to the best of our information and according to the explanations given to us, theaforesaid financial statements give the information required by the Act in the manner so required andgive a true and fair view in conformity with the accounting principles generally accepted in India, of thestate of affairs of the Company as at March 31, 2021, and its income & expenditure and its cash flow forthe year ended on that date.

Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements1. As required by the Companies (Auditor's Report) Order, 2015 ("the Order"), issued by the Central

Government of India in terms of sub-section (11) of Section 143 of the Act, our comments are notgiven, as the (Auditor's Report) order 2015, specifically provides that it should not apply to companieslicensed to operate under section 8 of the Companies Act 2013.

2. As required by section 143(3) of the Act, we report that:a. we have sought and obtained all the information and explanations which to the best of our

knowledge and belief were necessary for the purpose of our audit;b. in our opinion proper books of account as required by law have been kept by the Company so

far as it appears from our examination of those books;c. The Balance Sheet, Income & Expenditure Account and the Cash Flow Statement dealt with by

this Report are in agreement with the books of account maintained by company.d. In our opinion, the aforesaid financial statements comply with the Accounting Standards specified

under section 133 of the Act, read with Rule 7 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014.e. On the basis of written representations received from the Members of Committee of

Administration (CoA) as on March 31, 2021 taken on record by the Committee of Administration(CoA), none of the Member is disqualified as on March 31, 2021 from being appointed as aMember.

f. With respect to the adequacy of the internal financial controls over financial reporting of theCompany and the operating effectiveness of such controls, refer to our separate Report in"Annexure A".

g. with respect to the other matters to be included in the Auditor's Report in accordance withRule 11 of the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014, in our opinion and to the best ofour information and according to the explanations given to us:(i) The Company does not have any pending litigations which would impact its financial

position.(ii) The Company did not have any long-term contracts including derivative contracts for

which there were any material foreseeable losses.(ii) There were no amounts which were required to be transferred to the Investor Education

and Protection Fund by the Company.

For JAIN KAPILA ASSOCIATESCHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

FRN 000287N

Sd/-D.K. KAPILA

Place: NEW DELHI PARTNERDate : 28th August, 2021 (Membership No. 016905)


"Annexure A" to the Independent Auditor's Report of even date on the FinancialStatements of EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL FOR HANDICRAFTS

Report on the Internal Financial Controls under Clause (i) of Sub-section 3 of Section 143 of theCompanies Act, 2013 ("the Act")

We have audited the internal financial controls over financial reporting of EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCILFOR HANDICRAFTS ("the Company") as of March 31, 2021 in conjunction with our audit of the financialstatements of the Company for the year ended on that date.

Management's Responsibility for Internal Financial ControlsThe Company's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining internal financial controlsbased on "the internal control over financial reporting criteria established by the Company consideringthe essential components of internal control stated in the Guidance Note on Audit of Internal FinancialControls Over Financial Reporting issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India". Theseresponsibilities include the design, implementation and maintenance of adequate internal financialcontrols that were operating effectively for ensuring the orderly and efficient conduct of its business,including adherence to company's policies, the safeguarding of its assets, the prevention and detectionof frauds and errors, the accuracy and completeness of the accounting records, and the timely preparationof reliable financial information, as required under the Companies Act, 2013.

Auditors' ResponsibilityOur responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal financial controls over financialreporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with the Guidance Note on Auditof Internal Financial Controls Over Financial Reporting (the "Guidance Note") and the Standards onAuditing, issued by ICAI and deemed to be prescribed under section 143(10) of the Companies Act,2013, to the extent applicable to an audit of internal financial controls, both applicable to an audit ofInternal Financial Controls and, both issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. ThoseStandards and the Guidance Note require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan andperform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether adequate internal financial controlsover financial reporting was established and maintained and if such controls operated effectively in allmaterial respects.Our audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the adequacy of the internalfinancial controls system over financial reporting and their operating effectiveness. Our audit of internalfinancial controls over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal financialcontrols over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing andevaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Theprocedures selected depend on the auditor's judgement, including the assessment of the risks ofmaterial misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error.We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis forour audit opinion on the Company's internal financial controls system over financial reporting.

Meaning of Internal Financial Controls Over Financial ReportingA company's internal financial control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonableassurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements forexternal purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internalfinancial control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to themaintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions anddispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are


recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generallyaccepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being madeonly in accordance with authorisations of management of the company; and (3) provide reasonableassurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorised acquisition, use, or disposition ofthe company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Inherent Limitations of Internal Financial Controls Over Financial ReportingBecause of the inherent limitations of internal financial controls over financial reporting, including thepossibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due toerror or fraud may occur and not be detected. Also, projections of any evaluation of the internalfinancial controls over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the internalfinancial control over financial reporting may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, orthat the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

OpinionIn our opinion, the Company has, in all material respects, an adequate internal financial controlssystem over financial reporting and such internal financial controls over financial reporting were operatingeffectively as at March 31, 2021, based on "the internal control over financial reporting criteria establishedby the Company considering the essential components of internal control stated in the Guidance Noteon Audit of Internal Financial Controls Over Financial Reporting issued by the Institute of CharteredAccountants of India".

For JAIN KAPILA ASSOCIATESCHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

FRN 000287N

Sd/-D.K. KAPILA

Place: NEW DELHI PARTNERDate : 28th August, 2021 (Membership No. 016905)


BALANCE SHEET AS ON 31ST MARCH, 2021(Amount in Rs.)

As on As onParticulars Schedule No. 31.03.2021 31.03.2020

I. EQUITY AND LIABILITIES1. Shareholders’ Funds

Capital Fund A 1,02,95,700 1,02,38,200Reserves and surplus B 1,26,12,75,326 1,20,84,35,318

1,27,15,71,026 1,21,86,73,5182. Non-current Liabilities

Long term liabilities C 33,21,512 56,06,512Long-term provisions D 3,29,39,944 3,47,93,158

3,62,61,456 4,03,99,6703. Current Liabilities

(a) Current liabilities E 35,98,48,541 51,53,20,267(b) Short-term provisions F 3,47,26,845 3,36,03,789

39,45,75,386 54,89,24,056TOTAL-I (1+2+3) 1,70,24,07,868 1,80,79,97,244

II. ASSETS1. Non-current Assets

(a) Fixed assets G(i) Tangible assets 35,82,32,565 37,35,41,427(ii) Intangible assets 1,52,864 1,52,864(iii) Capital work-in-progress 20,72,56,212 14,57,39,850

(b) Long-term loans and advances H 51,07,845 51,07,845 57,07,49,486 52,45,41,986

2. Current AssetsCash and Bank Balances I 1,09,07,79,854 1,15,24,14,226Other current assets J 4,08,78,528 13,10,41,032

1,13,16,58,382 1,28,34,55,258TOTAL-II(1+2) 1,70,24,07,868 1,80,79,97,244

Significant Accounting Policies and Notes to Accounts as per Schedule 'P'

As per our separate report of even date annexedFor JAIN KAPILA ASSOCIATES

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTSFOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE COMMITTEE OF ADMINISTRATION FRN 000287N

Sd/- Sd/- Sd/- Sd/- Sd/-R. K. VERMA RAVI K PASSI LEKHRAJ MAHESHWARI RAJKUMAR MALHOTRA D. K. KAPILA[SECRETARY] [MEMBER-COA] [MEMBER-COA] [CHAIRMAN] [PARTNER]

M.No. 016905Place : NEW DELHIDate : 28th August, 2021



INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH, 2021(Amount in Rs.)

As on As onParticulars Schedule No. 31.03.2021 31.03.2020

INCOMEI. Revenue from Export Promotion Activities

and Subscription from Members K 29,10,83,453 82,71,75,284II. Other Income L 11,47,42,460 11,43,42,032III. Total Revenue (I+II) 40,58,25,913 94,15,17,316IV. Expenses

Export Promotion Activities M 25,12,80,523 73,53,47,055Employee benefits expense N 9,76,57,965 11,85,09,548Other expenses O 5,73,64,716 7,23,43,094Depreciation and amortization expense 1,07,84,545 1,12,97,821Total expenses 41,70,87,749 93,74,97,518

V. Excess of Income over Expenditure beforeexceptional and extraordinary items and tax (1,12,61,836) 40,19,798

VI. Less: Exceptional items – –VII. Excess of Income over Expenditure before

extraordinary items and tax (1,12,61,836) 40,19,798VIII. Less: Extraordinary Items 14,26,842 14,26,841IX. Excess of Income over Expenditure transfer

to Balance Sheet (1,26,88,678) 25,92,957








(Amount in Rs.)

Particulars As on As on 31.03.2021 31.03.2020

Excess of Income over Expenditure beforetaxation & Extraordinary items (1,26,88,678) 25,92,957Adjustment For :Depreciation 1,07,84,545 1,12,97,821Loss/(Profit) on Sale of fixed Assets (6,550) (2,931)Interest Income (5,84,17,415) (5,90,19,869)Operating Income (6,03,28,098) (4,51,32,022)Decrease / (Increase) in Security Deposit – 5,78,820Decrease / (Increase) in other current assets 9,01,62,505 15,53,96,851(Decrease) / Increase in Shorterm provisions 11,23,057 (1,45,50,648)(Decrease) / Increase in LongTerm liabilties /Provisions (41,38,214) (50,72,528)(Decrease) / Increase in loan & advance (15,54,71,726) 33,28,75,902Cash Generated from Operating Activities (12,86,52,476) 42,40,96,375

Cash Flow from Investing ActivitiesIncrease in Fixed Assets (6,80,44,427) (8,53,35,887)Interest Received 5,84,17,415 5,90,19,869Increase in Capital Fund 57,500 13,54,900Increase in General Reserves 3,21,47,500 17,25,100Sale of fixed Assets 6,550 8,000Increase in Fixed Assets Reserve 7,44,33,566 2,94,34,668Increase in Buiilding Reserve (3,00,00,000) –Cash Flow from Financing Activities 6,70,18,104 62,06,650

Net Increase / (Decrease) in Cash &Cash Equivalents (6,16,34,372) 43,03,03,025

Cash & Bank Balances at beginning of the year 1,15,24,14,226 72,21,11,201

Cash & Bank Balances at the end of the year 1,09,07,79,854 1,15,24,14,226

“Cash and cash equivalents’” has been changed to “Cash and Bank balances” in accordance with provisions ofAccounting Standard-3 issued by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.







Cash Flow Statement as on 31st March, 2020


Schedules Annexed to and forming part of the Balance Sheet

SCHEDULE - A

(Amount in Rs.)

As on As on 31.03.2021 31.03.2020

Opening Balance 1,02,38,200 88,83,300Add : Entrance Fees Received from Membersenrolled during the year 22,05,000 30,80,000

1,24,43,200 1,19,63,300Less : Transfer to General Reserve on Account ofCessation of Members 21,47,500 17,25,100TOTAL 1,02,95,700 1,02,38,200

SCHEDULE - B

(Amount in Rs.)

As on As on31.03.2021 31.03.2020

a) GENERAL RESERVEOpening Balance 23,14,76,840 22,97,51,740Add'-Transfer from capital Fund on Account ofcessation of members 21,47,500 17,25,100Add'-Transfer from Building Reserve 3,00,00,000 –Total (a) 26,36,24,340 23,14,76,840

b) INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTOpening Balance 75,16,45,015 74,90,52,058Addition : Transfer from Income &Expenditure Account (1,26,88,678) 25,92,957Total (b) 73,89,56,337 75,16,45,015

c) BUILDING RESERVE ACCOUNTOpening Balance 3,00,00,000 3,00,00,000Less: Transfer to General reserves 3,00,00,000 –Total (c) – 3,00,00,000

d) FIXED ASSETS RESERVE ACCOUNTOpening Balance 19,53,13,463 17,83,56,010Add: Grant for Acquisition of Fixed Assets 7,44,33,566 2,94,34,668

26,97,47,029 20,77,90,678Less: Amount adjusted equivalent to depreciationfor the year 1,10,52,380 1,24,77,215Total (d) 25,86,94,649 19,53,13,463TOTAL (a+b+c+d) 1,26,12,75,326 1,20,84,35,318


CAPITAL FUND

RESERVES & SURPLUS


Schedules Annexed to and forming part of the Balance Sheet

SCHEDULE - D(Amount in Rs.)

As on As on31.03.2021 31.03.2020

Leave Encashment 3,29,39,944 3,47,93,158


SCHEDULE - E(Amount in Rs.)

As on As on 31.03.2021 31.03.2020

Grant-in-Aid Received in Advance 11,63,00,805 8,64,03,704

Advances Received from exhibitors / Members 10,14,36,390 39,49,64,685

Expenses Payable 4,86,47,280 2,33,19,181

Other Liabilities 9,34,64,066 1,06,32,697

TOTAL 35,98,48,541 51,53,20,267

SCHEDULE - F(Amount in Rs.)

As on As on31.03.2021 31.03.2020

Provision for CSR Expenditure 33,90,160 57,75,412Leave encashment 3,13,36,685 2,78,28,377TOTAL 3,47,26,845 3,36,03,789

LONG TERM PROVISIONS

CURRENT LIABILITIES

SHORT TERM PROVISIONS

SCHEDULE - C(Amount in Rs.)

As on As on 31.03.2021 31.03.2020

Earnest Money Deposit 33,21,512 56,06,512

OTHER LONG TERM LIABILITIES


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EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL FOR HANDICRAFTSSchedules Annexed to and forming part of the Balance Sheet

SCHEDULE - I(Amount in Rs.)

As on As on31.03.2021 31.03.2020

a) Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash on hand 76,519 1,09,806Balance with Banks 8,13,70,009 12,17,59,418

8,14,46,528 12,18,69,224b) Other Balances

In Term Deposit with original maturityupto 3 Months 31,99,92,000 9,94,00,000In Term Deposit with original maturity morethan 3 Months and up to 12 Months 16,91,15,095 –In Term Deposit with original maturitymore than 12 Months 42,00,00,000 87,90,17,234Interest Accrued on FDR's 10,02,26,231 1,00,93,33,326 5,21,27,768 1,03,05,45,002

TOTAL(a+b) 1,09,07,79,854 1,15,24,14,226

CASH AND BANK BALANCES

SCHEDULE - H(Amount in Rs.)

As on As on 31.03.2021 31.03.2020

Security Deposits 51,07,845 51,07,845

SCHEDULE - K(Amount in Rs.)

As on As on31.03.2021 31.03.2020

a) From MembersSubscriptions from Members 4,34,05,000 4,70,25,000Fair & Exhibitions 5,33,73,201 53,42,54,497

b) Project base Grant-in-Aid forSpecific Export Promotion ActivitiesGrant-in-aids from State Govt/Central Govt 19,43,05,252 24,58,95,787

TOTAL (a+b) 29,10,83,453 82,71,75,284

REVENUE FROM EXPORT PROMOTION ACTIVITIES AND SUBSCRIPTION FROM MEMBERS

LONG TERM LOANS AND ADVANCES

OTHER CURRENT ASSETS SCHEDULE - J(Amount in Rs.)

As on As on 31.03.2021 31.03.2020

Advances/Amount Recoverable 2,52,84,364 12,29,11,301GST Credit 1,39,33,177 23,45,804Prepaid Expenses 16,60,987 57,83,927TOTAL 4,08,78,528 13,10,41,032


SCHEDULE - L

(Amount in Rs.)

As on As on 31.03.2021 31.03.2020

Interest on FDRs and Advances 5,84,17,415 5,90,19,869Miscellaneous Incomes 11,37,385 12,44,675Income/ Service charges -CFC Saharanpur 28,37,992 31,54,074Certification of Vriksh 2,34,84,220 2,39,76,780Sale of Publications 35,300 68,600Skill Upgradation Programme 2,74,24,326 2,68,78,034IDPH Project DIC Shimla 14,05,822 –TOTAL 11,47,42,460 11,43,42,032

OTHER INCOMES


SCHEDULE - M

(Amount in Rs.)

As on As on31.03.2021 31.03.2020

a) FAIRS & EXHIBITIONS ACTIVITIESVirtual Fairs & Exhibitions 13,70,34,702 64,59,42,588

b) OTHER EXPORT PROMOTION ACTIVITIESExport Award Expenses – 1,43,667Publication of e-Craftcil 4,50,000 43,70,063Other Export Promotion Expenses 13,05,422 4,52,881Market Survey & Projects studies 5,60,000 1,51,809Workshops/seminars/ Handicrafts trainingProgramme/Integrated design programme 3,45,14,681 1,59,66,505Skill & Markting programme 4,61,20,484 3,85,92,827Certification of Vriksh Expenses 1,78,28,071 1,98,06,249Capacity development programme for NER 32,62,151 27,57,920Printing of Photo ID card of Craftsmen 32,16,880 28,00,748Design Trend & Market Research 15,25,264 15,44,599DIC craft cluster programmes in Rajasthan 54,62,868 28,17,199

TOTAL(a+b) 25,12,80,523 73,53,47,055

EXPORT PROMOTION ACTIVITIES (EXPENDITURE)



SCHEDULE - N(Amount in Rs.)

As on As on 31.03.2021 31.03.2020

Salary & Allowances 8,93,26,372 8,71,80,941Staff Welfare 5,61,568 13,56,747Provision for leave incashment 26,83,256 1,36,50,984Reimbursement of Tuition Fee 13,98,898 15,32,688Gratuity 36,87,871 1,47,88,188

TOTAL 9,76,57,965 11,85,09,548

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT EXPENSES

SCHEDULE - O(Amount in Rs.)

As on As on 31.03.2021 31.03.2020

Office Rent 5,28,000 5,08,000Office maintenance 45,01,908 27,91,634Office Rennovation – 10,96,328Vehicle Maintenance & Running exp 11,54,501 11,86,374Telecommunication/Internet Expenses 13,21,513 15,17,406Printing & Stationery 15,36,109 23,89,782Postage & Couriers 13,10,690 39,18,608Advertisements 1,39,457 3,47,178Travelling & Conveyance 8,76,673 23,34,740Rates & Taxes 5,02,642 5,88,912Hospitality Expenses 3,85,775 7,42,952Meeting Expenses 10,05,348 24,11,656TA to COA Members 19,000 6,48,121Insurance Expenses 7,21,814 2,33,917Repair & Maintenance (Office Equipment's/Computer/Software) 57,77,962 67,09,528Bank Charges 2,39,731 1,46,284Professional & Legal Expenses 58,13,630 57,07,013Miscellaneous expenses 12,23,672 19,55,497Hiring of Conveyance 8,01,012 21,74,070Election Expenses 1,34,033 3,89,139Water & Electricity expenses 19,88,631 27,74,452Operative expenses for CFC-Saharanpur 55,49,662 52,06,898Regional Office Expenses (Jodhpur) 17,29,583 22,64,290Regional Office Expenses (Narsapur) 22,92,151 16,29,768Regional Office Expenses (Kolkata) 15,90,090 21,02,697Regional Office Expenses (Bangalore) 32,88,438 33,90,296Regional Office Expenses (Moradabad) 66,40,855 63,29,730Regional Office Expenses (Mumbai) 25,89,105 28,49,848Regional Office Expenses (Jaipur) 25,59,588 25,70,685Extension Counter Expenses (Agra) 2,14,808 2,38,195Public Relation Expenses 5,78,152 35,31,513Training to Council's staff – 1,65,542Interest Expenses 1,45,183 12,87,041Statutory Audit Fee 1,25,000 1,25,000Tax Audit Fee 80,000 80,000

TOTAL 5,73,64,716 7,23,43,094

OTHER EXPENSES


SCHEDULE - P

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND NOTES TO ACCOUNTS

A. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1. Basis of Preparation of Financial Statement

Financial statements are prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention, generally accepted accounting principlesin India and relevant presentational requirement of the Companies Act, 2013.

2. Fixed Assetsi) Fixed Assets are stated at historical cost inclusive of inward freight, duties and taxes and incidental expenses related to

acquisition.ii) Asset valuing upto INR 500/- excluding Furniture, Fixtures and wooden Crates are charged to revenue in the year of

its purchase.iii) Mobile phones valuing upto INR 5000/- are charged to revenue expenditure in the year of its purchase.

3. Depreciation Accountingi) Depreciation on Fixed Assets is provided for in accordance with Schedule II of the Companies Act, 2013 on Written

Down Value method.ii) Depreciation on Fixed Assets acquired from Grant-in-Aid is being charged to Fixed Assets Reserve Account.iii) Depreciation is charged @ 100% in case of assets valuing upto INR 5000/- in the year of purchase. However, these are

retained @ Re. 1/- for each such assets.iv) Mobile phone life considered 2 years for depreciation purpose.

4. Accounting for Govt. Grantsi) The Grant-in-Aid received from Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India for specified activities is accounted for on accrual

basis.ii) The Grant-in-Aid received from Ministry of Commerce and Industry for reimbursement to members for expenses

incurred by them on export promotion activities and sales tour in foreign country and code activities is being accountedon Cash Basis.

iii) Other Grant-in-aid received from Ministry of Commerce & Industry under Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme forspecified activities is accounted for on accrual basis.

iv) The Grant-in-Aid received for acquisition of Fixed Assets is capitalized and transferred to Fixed Assets Reserve Account.Any depreciation on such fixed assets is being charged to this account.

5. Application of Funds towards Capital ContributionCapital contribution towards promotion of other entities with similar objects on directives from Government of India isaccounted at par (at cost of acquisition) under the head 'Application of Funds towards capital contribution'.

6. Revenue Recognitioni) Subscription from members (enrolled as member upto the year end) are accounted for on actual basis.ii) Interest on Fixed Deposits is being accounted on accrual basis.iii) Other Incomes are recognized only on the receipt of the same during the year.

7. ContingenciesAny contingent liability is being shown by way of Notes to Accounts.

8. Foreign Currency Transactionsi) Foreign Currency transactions are accounted for at the exchange rates prevailing on the date of transaction.ii) Monetary Assets and Liabilities outside India have been translated at the exchange rates prevailing at the close of the

year.

9. Retirement Benefits to Employeesi) Regular monthly contributions are made to Provident fund and are charged to Income and Expenditure account.ii) Annual Provision of Gratuity based on actuarial valuation is being made and transferred to EPCH Employee Group

Gratuity Fund (Trust)iii) Computation of annual provision of Leave Encashment is based on Actuarial Valuation.



(Amount Rs. In Lakh)S. Particulars Gratuity Leave Benefit LTCNo. 2019-20 2020-21 2019-20 2020-21 2019-20 2020-211 Current Service Cost 147.88 36.88 66.46 74.25 NIL NIL2. Less trf to fund 147.88 36.88 – NIL NIL3. Actuarial (Gain) / Loss – – 70.05 (47.42) NIL NIL4. Closing Balance – – 626.21 642.76 NIL NIL5 Opening Balance – – 518.68 626.21 NIL NIL6 Benefit Paid – – 28.98 10.28 NIL NIL7. Exp recognized in I. & E A/c 147.88 36.88 136.51 26.83 NIL NIL

10. Prior Period Income / ExpensePrior period income/expenses up to a sum of INR 10,000/- in each case are charged to relevant heads of account of theyear.

11. OthersOne-time entrance fees received at the time of induction of new members is credited to Capital Fund.

B. NOTES TO ACCOUNTS1) Receipts / Income related to fairs & exhibition held is shown separately. Similarly, expenditure incurred in respect of fairs

and Exhibitions is also dealt with in the accounts accordingly.2) The council has received exemption from Income tax department under section 10(23C)(iv) of Income Tax Act.1961, from

the Assessment year 2009-10 onwards. In view of this, no provision for Income Tax has been made for the current year.3) Effect of Change in Accounting Policies: -

NIL

4) Project Based Grant-in-AidThe Council receives various Grants from the Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles andMarketing Access Initiatives (MAI) from Ministry of Commerce & Industry. The grants so received are being utilized forspecific purposes, as approved / sanctioned by the concerned authorities.i. During the year, Council has completed various activities/project against grant in aid received from Ministry. Against

completed activities /projects Council has receivable amount of Rs.2,83,40,049/- from the Ministry of Textiles for theyear. The unutilized grant-in-aid of Rs. 4,51,15,654/- is shown under head current liabilities "Grant-in-aid received inadvance".

ii. Council has also receivable Rs.7,20,000 /- from Ministry of Commerce & Industry for various marketing activitiescompleted during the year. The unutilized grant-in-aid of Rs. 1,10,80,286/- is shown under head current liabilities"Grant-in-aid received in advance.

iii. The unutilized grant-in-aid of Rs. 6,00,68,865/- (received during the year) from Ministry of Micro, Small and MediumEnterprises and Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade is shown under head current liabilities"Grant-in-aid received in advance.

5) Revenue and Expenditure in Foreign Currency:I) Revenue

NIL

II) ExpenditureThe Council has incurred expenditure in foreign currency equivalent to Rs. 77,12,425/- for participation in InternationalFairs & Exhibitions, Buyer-Seller Meet, Publicity of IHGF, Design Development, and reimbursement of expenses, travelexpenses, Designer fee, Machinery for testing lab etc. The above said amount had been paid in different countries intheir respective currencies.

6) 6) The employee's benefits provided by the Company as required under Accounting Standard 15 (Revised) are as under:

Defined Contribution PlanThe employer's contribution to employees' provident fund for the year amounting to Rs.80.58 lakh (Previous yearRs. 78.20 lakh) has been recognized as an expense.

The Provision for Gratuity and Leave Benefit is made on the basis of actuarial valuation. This liability is valued by actuaryafter considering inflation, seniority, promotion and other relevant factors.Gratuity scheme is funded by the Company and is managed by a separate Trust through LIC.Leave benefit Payable on separation to eligible employees who have accumulated earned leave and Medical leaves.


Other actuarial Assumptions used for valuation of liability for employee benefits (Leave Encashment) are as under: -Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic - the activities of the council were greatly impacted e.g. IHGF Delhi Fair has not beenorganized during the year. In view of this situation some austerity measures have been undertaken taken by the managementand it was decided for not allowing the following benefits during the Current Year.1) Leave Fare Assistance (LFA)2) Leave Encashment3) Annual Salary Increment4) Annual Uniform Allowance5) Out of Pocket ExpensesAccordingly, the provision for such expenditure has not been made for the current year.Method: The Actuarial value of the accrued liability has been arrived at by using the Projected Accrued Benefit method(project unit credit method).Assumption: The Principal actuarial assumption made in the valuation were as follow -Economic Assumptions -The discount rate is based on the yield available on Government bonds at the valuation date with a term matching that ofthe liabilities. The salary increases rates take into account inflation, seniority, promotion and other relevant factors; Longterm assumptions have been considered as follows -

Particular 31/03/2020 31/03/2021a) Discounting Rate 6.71 P.A. 6..91 P.A.b) Salary Growth Rate 3.00 P.A. 3.00 P.A.c) Expected Rates of Return on Plan Assets 0.00 P.A. 0.00 P.A.

Demographic AssumptionParticular 31/03/2020 31/03/2021a) Retirement Age 60 Years 60 Yearsb) Mortality Table IALM (2012-2014) IALM (2012-2014)c) Employee Turnover / Attrition Rate

18 to 30 Years 0.00% 1.00%30 to 45 Years 2.00% 2.00%Above 45 Years 1.00% 1.00%

7) As required by Accounting Standard (AS) 28 Impairment of Assets notified by the Institute of Chartered Accountants ofIndia, the company has carried out the assessment of impairment of assets. There has been no impairment loss during theyear.

8) Previous year figures have been re-grouped / re-arranged, wherever considered necessary, to make them Comparablewith those of the current year.

9) Cash and cash equivalents'" has been changed to "Cash and Bank balances" in accordance with provisions of AccountingStandard-3 issued by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

10) Schedules A to P form an integral part of the Balance Sheet and Income & Expenditure Account.





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