Development & Marketing  Of Handicrafts :

MSSIDC has played a crucial role in the revival, development and growth of the traditional handicrafts of Maharashtra. The assistance provided by the Corporation to the craftsmen has been in two specific areas. 

Marketing Of Products :

Through its chain of Trimourti Emporia at Mumbai and Delhi, the Corporation provides modern marketing outlets for the handicrafts. The Corporation also helps in marketing of handicrafts from Maharashtra in overseas markets.

Development Activity : 

MSSIDC has revived the almost lost monument art of Paithani Weaving. From a  mere 2 master craftsmen a decade ago, the Corporation has trained so far, through NORAD Assistance over 60 craftsmen most of whom are women Weaving of Paithani Saree  is so exquisite that it is described as "A Poem in Silk & Gold". The Corporation is always alive to helping revive a dying craft, or develop designs to suit contemporary market demands and get them executed through the craftsman. 

1.     JUTE SERVICE CENTRE :

MSSIDC has entered into MOU with National Centre for Jute Diversification (NCJD), Kolkata for setting up of Jute Service Centre. The Jute Service Centre has been started at Solapur with the assistance of NCJD. This Jute Service Centre was inaugurated by Shri Sushilkumarji Shinde, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra on 10^th July 2003 when Shri B R Patil, Hon’ble Union State Minister for Textiles was the Chief Guest.

The Jute Service Centre will provide training to the artisans, will try to increase the use of jute as a raw material and also help the artisans to sale the jute diversified products by organising buyers-sellers meet and exhibition. 

Jute Service Centre (JSC), Solapur has started undertaking various activities as per the scheme of NCJD. The following training programmes have been completed by JSC. 

(i) Awareness Workshop on jute diversified products was held on 10^th July 2003 at Solapur. 150 beneficiaries attended the awareness workshop.

(ii) JSC completed 10 Basic Training Programmes of 20 days duration at various places in different districts during the financial year 2003-2004. In all 240 beneficiaries attended the Training Programmes.

(iii) JSC completed 6 Basic Training Programmes of 20 days duration at various places in different districts during the financial year 2004-2005. In all 230 beneficiaries attended the Training Programmes. One of the trainin pogrammes was conducted recently at Latur in Marathwada region.

During the training programmes the training for production of Jute Bags and Various handicrafts articles was imparted to the trainees.

 Micro Finance Scheme of NCJD :

NCJD with the assistance from Govt. of India, can provide finance to the entrepreneurs as well as registered societies/organisations and trusts. The following projects will be considered for providing micro finance. 

(i) Projects of the individuals up to Rs.5.00 lacs.

(ii) Projects of the societies/organisations/trusts up to Rs.10.00 lacs.

 Extent of the Financial Assistance :

 (i) The projects established by individuals are eligible for maximum grant of Rs.1.00 lac or 25% of the project cost whichever is lower.

(ii) The projects established by societies/organisations/trusts are eligible for maximum grant of Rs.2.00 lacs or 30% of the project cost whichever is lower.

2.        GOLD BEADS CRAFT :

MSSIDC, with the financial assistance from the office of the Development Commissioner (HCT), Govt. of India has undertaken training programme in Gold Beads Craft at Kolhapur. 30 prototypes are developed and at least 25 craft persons were benefited.

3.        PAITHANI CRAFT :

MSSIDC, with the financial assistance from the office of the Development Commissioner (HCT), Govt. of India has undertaken Design Development in Paithani at Paithani Training & Production Centre, Paithan. The weavers have got an opportunity to know about new designs and 30 prototypes would be developed during the programme.

4.        BAMBOO AND POTTERY CRAFT :

MSSIDC, with the financial assistance from the office of the Development Commissioner (HCT), Govt. of India has undertaken a project in Bamboo & Pottery Craft under the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana (AHVY), in Gondia district. The Further Interventions will be carried out during the year 2005-2006 after getting sanction from D.C. (HCT).