Hastkala Setu Yojana, an initiative of the Commissionerate of Cottage and Rural Industries (CCRI), Government of Gujarat, and implemented by the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, has been conferred with the ‘GI Excellence Award – Gujarat Chapter’ for Excellence in Promotion and Geographical Indication (GI) Tagging of Handicrafts. The award was conferred during the Conference – ‘Leveraging GI for Economic Growth, Cultural Preservation, and Global Recognition’ held on 18th July 2025, organised by the Intellectual Property Talent Search Examination and the Gujarat National Law University.
This recognition highlights the project’s ongoing commitment to preserving Gujarat’s traditional crafts, supporting artisans in building sustainable livelihoods, and helping them protect their unique skills while finding new opportunities in today’s evolving markets.
Developed as a comprehensive programme to revive the handloom and handicraft sectors of Gujarat, Hastkala Setu Yojana has been instrumental in developing an entrepreneurial ecosystem to strengthen rural and cottage industries of Gujarat. In addition, it has actively worked towards bridging skill, design, and market linkages for rural artisans.
Since its inception in September 2020 across six districts, the project has steadily scaled up to cover all 33 districts of Gujarat, reaching over 34,000 artisans. Through structured training modules, design interventions, branding guidance, and digital marketing handholding, EDII has helped over 11,000 artisans transition from informal setups to formalised enterprises. A growing number of artisans have also been supported in registering their products under the Geographical Indication (GI) framework, enabling them to claim and protect the cultural and economic value of their traditional crafts.
Speaking on the achievement, Ms. Ardra Agarwal (IAS), Secretary & Commissioner, Cottage & Rural Industries, Government of Gujarat, said, “The traditional crafts of Gujarat are deeply woven into the identity of our people and communities. Through Hastkala Setu Yojana, we have not only sought to preserve these traditions but also to enable artisans to thrive in today’s dynamic markets. The GI Excellence Award is a proud moment; it validates the government’s commitment to artisan-led development. We commend the artisans, mentors, and partners like EDII who are taking our vision forward with dedication.”
Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, Said, “What makes Hastkala Setu Yojana truly impactful is its strong connection with the ground realities of artisans. It supports them not just with skills but also helps them understand how to preserve their heritage, employ entrepreneurial competencies, use digital tools, and grow as entrepreneurs. Geographical Indications play a big role in giving their work the identity and respect it deserves in the market. At EDII, we are proud to walk this journey with these artisans, ensuring they not only protect their craft but also build a sustainable future. This award encourages us to take this model to even more communities.”
The GI component of the project has been particularly impactful in repositioning local crafts such as Tangaliya, Rogan art, Kutch embroidery, and Mata ni Pachedi as protected, high-value commodities in both domestic and global markets. The project facilitates market outreach through e-commerce onboarding, exhibitions, and exclusive platforms tailored for artisans. As a result, supported artisans have collectively generated revenues exceeding ₹100.10 crore, marking a visible improvement in artisans’ incomes and livelihoods
Hastkala Setu Yojana has helped bring back traditional crafts that were slowly fading, inspired young people to take pride in their heritage, and positioned Gujarat as a frontrunner in supporting artisans through thoughtful policies and innovation. With focused support on the ground, the project is showing how cultural heritage can be a source of dignity, pride, and sustainable livelihoods for thousands of artisans.
