The Matikala Mahotsav 2025 began at Khadi Bhavan on Friday (10 October), with artisans from 50 districts showcasing products made of clay. Inaugurating the festival, MSME Minister Rakesh Sachan said that the Matikala Mahotsav is a convergence of tradition and innovation. On this occasion, the Matikala Portal and an e-verification mobile app were also launched. Additionally, 10 artisans were given electric pottery wheels, pug mills, and loan cheques.
Promotion of Clay Craft Industry
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the festival, which runs from 10 to 19 October, Minister Rakesh Sachan said that the tradition of making statues, toys, utensils, household items, and artistic objects using clay has existed in the state for centuries. Even today, a large number of clay craftsmen in the state are engaged in this traditional industry. To promote clay-made products and preserve and develop traditional industries through innovation, connecting more artisans with employment, the Clay Art Board was established on 19 July 2018. Since its inception, 48,048 artisan families have been identified and 37,190 artisans have been allotted leases for clay excavation.
The Board has so far distributed 15,932 electric pottery wheels and 375 pug mill machines. This financial year, the target is to distribute 2,500 wheels and 300 pug mills. In addition, 603 pairs of P.O.P. moulds, 31 painting machines, and 81 diya-making machines have been provided to artisans.
He informed that under the Chief Minister Clay Art Employment Scheme, 1,114 beneficiaries have been sanctioned loans and helped establish industrial units in the past six years. This year, the target is to set up 300 new units. Six Common Facility Centres (CFCs) have already been established in the state, while three new CFCs are being set up in Amethi, Bareilly, and Bijnor. Under the training scheme, 16,307 beneficiaries have been provided technical training, 1,114 have received enterprise management training, and 6,786 have undergone craftsmanship training. The ceremony was attended by Clay Art Board General Manager Shishir, Nodal Officer Sanjay Kumar Pandey, as well as officers and employees of the Khadi Gramodyog Board and Clay Art Board.
