Kathmandu, May 31

The Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal (FHAN) has said that the budget for fiscal year 2016-17 unveiled by Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel at the Legislature-Parliament on Saturday has failed to incorporate the recommendations put forward by the sector.

Releasing a press statement today, FHAN has mentioned that the handicraft sector has been exporting products worth Rs 10 billion every year and has provided employment to over one

million people.

As per the association, the sector has also played a crucial role in the government’s poverty reduction initiative. However, even when the contribution of the handicraft sector has been vital to the country’s economy, FHAN has stated that the budget had failed to introduce any new programmes for the sector.

The association also said that the budget had remained silent about increasing productivity and providing cash incentives to exporters, which would help in the export growth of handicraft products.

FHAN also mentioned that the budget had failed to address the issue of constructing a SAARC-level handicraft development centre for which the Ministry of Industry has already provided land and the SAARC Development Fund has made a commitment to provide necessary equipment and machinery.

The association has also expressed dissatisfaction that the budget has not introduced any programmes for the repatriation of artisans and labourers who were adversely affected due to the devastating earthquakes of last year. “Hence, we feel the government should also focus on these issues and bring policies and programmes to address the matters.”