Nitin Gadkari inaugurated 50 artisan based SFURTI clusters, spreading over 18 states

1. Gadkari Inaugurates 50 SFURTI Clusters in 18 States, Which Will Support Over 42,000 Artisans Nitin Gadkari inaugurated 50 artisan-based Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (​SFURTI​) clusters, spread over 18 States. In the 50 clusters, over 42,000 artisans have been supported in the traditional segments of muslin, khadi, coir, handicraft, handlooms, wood craft, leather, pottery, carpet weaving, bamboo, agro processing, tea, etc. Under the scheme, it provides support for creating infrastructure through Common Facility Centres, procurement of new machineries, creating raw material banks and improved packaging. The minister said there is a need to step up the pace of formation of such clusters, 'since only 82 of the 371 announced so far are actually functional, and a target of 5,000 clusters is easily achievable if red-tape can be reduced.' He asked the ministry officials to look into the issues and address problems to start the remaining clusters which are not operational. The minister was speaking after inaugurating 50 artisan-based SFURTI clusters spread over 18 states. Gadkari further said the government is looking to increase the share of MSME sector in the country''s GDP to 40 per cent from the current 30 per cent and share of exports to about 60 per cent from 48 per cent. For More Information - ​50 SFURTI Clusters to Support Over 42,000 Rural Artisans