Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that before he came to power in 2017, the state

Varanasi: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that before he came to power in 2017, the state was notorious for anarchy and mafia rule, and its artisans were handicapped by policy paralysis.

Stating that artisans are now getting platforms to showcase their skills and pursue opportunities in their own state, Yogi said exports worth Rs 6,100 crore are taking place only from Sant Ravidas Nagar and the silk cluster. Sant Ravidas Nagar, Mirzapur and the silk cluster of Varanasi account for 60 per cent of the country’s total carpet exports. He said Sant Ravidas Nagar alone has 2,500 MSME units, with an annual turnover of Rs 10,000 crore. This industry has provided direct employment to more than 5 lakh people. Keeping around 250 exhibitors and more than 450 foreign buyers from 65 countries, including 106 from Brics countries participating in this expo, he said that 90% of the carpets manufactured in the district are exported to various countries, including the US, Germany, Australia, Canada and the UK.

Attacking the previous govts, he said no mafia can now threaten anyone by brandishing a pistol from an open jeep, nor can anyone undermine the security of daughters and traders, he said adding, now industries are getting required support like the carpet industry received technology, design and markets, along with better connectivity and security. CM Yogi, who visited the stalls and viewed the products of artisans and craftspeople before addressing the inaugural function, said that Bhadohi carpets are establishing their identity in the global market. He said the govt included Bhadohi carpets under the One District-One Product (ODOP) scheme and connected artisans with technology, design and markets.

Bhadohi’s handmade carpets have also received a GI tag. The Indian Institute of Carpet Technology has been established in Bhadohi to provide technical education and training in designing and dyeing in the carpet and textile sector.

A PM MITRA Textile Park is being developed across 1,000 acres between Lucknow and Hardoi.

Yogi said carpets made by the skilled hands of Bhadohi are now enhancing the beauty of major establishments across the world. The carpet laid in the country’s new Parliament building was also made in Sant Ravidas Nagar. The district has a GI tag, the ODOP platform, the Carpet Expo Mart and a strong export system.