VARANASI: The state budget left the handicraft artisans disappointed. Local craftsmen were dissatisfied with the provision of Rs 250 crore for the implementation of one district, one product (ODOP) scheme under micro, minor and medium enterprises, as they felt the amount was too meager to develop products of all the districts."We were expecting electricity subsidy that we have been demanding for years," said master craftsman of stone art Bachchalal Maurya. He had also put forth his demand for subsidized electricity to the chief minister when the latter was in the city during the local body elections.Wooden craft artisan Godawari Singh had also written to the CM last year, demanding subsidized electricity. He said, "The government should focus on protection of traditional handicrafts by making budgetary allocations. The region has many famed products with geographical indication (GI) certification."Metal craft artisan Anil Kasera of Kasera Mahasabha echoed his sentiments. Artisans felt the provision of Rs 250 crore for ODOP scheme is not sufficient to promote the products of 75 districts. "Eastern UP has, so far, 11 GI products and six potential GI products. The government should take measures to encourage and protect traditional crafts," said GI expert Dr Rajni Kant of Human Welfare Association . According to him, there are about one lakh artisans associated with 20 different crafts in Varanasi district only, and their number goes to around 12 lakh in eastern UP.

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