Posted On:
14 NOV 2026 8:37PM by PIB Delhi
The Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, is participating in the 45th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2026, being organised at Bharat Mandapam, in the National Capital here.
The Ministry’s pavilion, located at Hall No. 5, Ground Floor, ITPO, showcases the rich craftsmanship, traditional skills and entrepreneurial capabilities of artisans and beneficiaries associated with the Ministry’s Apex Corporations.
The participation reflects the Government’s continued commitment to promoting inclusive economic growth and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for disadvantaged and marginalized sections of society.
Guided by the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, the Ministry is providing a national platform to artisans and entrepreneurs belonging to Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, Safai Mitras and De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) to exhibit, promote and directly market their products.
A Senior Official in the Ministry informed that more than 130 artisans from 19 States are participating in this year’s edition through the Ministry’s three Apex Corporations namely National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) and the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC).
He said the participating artisans are displaying an extensive range of handicrafts, handloom products, handmade articles and other traditional products, reflecting India's diverse cultural heritage and indigenous craftsmanship.
The initiative provides artisans with an important opportunity to connect with customers, explore new market opportunities, showcase their products to a wider audience and generate income through direct sales, he said.
The Official noted that by facilitating participation in prestigious national-level exhibitions and trade fairs, the Ministry is working towards strengthening market linkages, encouraging entrepreneurship and enabling beneficiaries to move towards greater economic self-reliance.
A major highlight of the Ministry’s participation is the promotion of the TULIP (Traditional Artisans’ Upliftment Livelihood Programme) brand, the Official said.
The Official said Hon’ble Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, launched the TULIP initiative recently during the Shilp Samagam Mela at Dilli Haat, in National Capital. He said TULIP seeks to provide traditional artisans with an enhanced platform for showcasing and marketing their products.
The Official added the TULIP initiative aims to strengthen the visibility and market reach of artisan-made products at both national and international levels. It seeks to establish sustainable livelihood opportunities by connecting traditional craftsmanship with emerging market demands, while preserving and promoting India's rich artistic and cultural traditions, he said.
Through the brand, the Ministry endeavours to provide artisans with greater recognition, improved market access and opportunities to expand their entrepreneurial activities, the Official said.
The Official said the Ministry’s participation in IITF 2026 also underscores the importance of inclusive market development, where traditional skills and indigenous knowledge are linked with contemporary marketing opportunities.
The Ministry’s participation adds a social empowerment dimension to the event by bringing the products and entrepreneurial potential of artisans and beneficiaries from marginalised communities into the mainstream marketplace, he added.
The Official remarked that such platforms enable artisans from diverse social and geographical backgrounds to showcase their capabilities, strengthen their market presence and become active contributors to the country's economic development.
Through its continued efforts, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment remains committed to advancing social and economic inclusion, promoting traditional artisanship, strengthening livelihood opportunities and ensuring that the benefits of development reach all sections of society, the Official concluded.
The India International Trade Fair, was inaugurated on 13th November Friday, that provides a prominent national and international platform for trade, commerce, industry and cultural exchange.
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