NEDUMBASSERY: The Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) is planning to set up a handicraft village on its premises to promote self-help groups and the state cottage industry. The Indian Handicraft Village would help artisans, private organisations and state-sponsored emporiums to promote their products and find a better market, said CIAL Commercial Manager Joseph Peter.By setting up the outlets in an attractive location like the airport, their income through the sale of their products could multiply.The handicraft village on the CIAL premises is expected to be a hit among tourists, especially foreigners, as they could buy excellent quality products at affordable prices without being exploited. It would also provide job opportunities for artisans and solve their unemployment issues to a great extent. The under-privileged section of society and the physically-challenged people could be given preference, sources told Express. The village is aimed at nurturing talents for participatory development through mobilisation and encouraging the marginalised or the less fortunate persons tap their talents and creativity by making unique, high-quality artifacts, utilitarian and decorative handicrafts that command ready sale, both locally and internationally.The CIAL proposes to construct 60 shops in front of the airport building in the first phase. Each shop will have an area of 125 sq. ft. The panchayat authorities recently inspected the area proposed for the village to accord sanction. Tenders requesting quotations for the construction of the village will be invited shortly after the approval of the panchayat. The civil wing was expected to complete the construction work within six months, Executive Director (Civil) A M Shabeer said. The CIAL has fixed the daily rent of each as Rs 150. The security deposit is Rs 10,000, which will be refunded after the completion of the rental period.The monthly rent should be paid every month in advance, Peter said.A food court will be set up in the village. Facilities like shop space with shutter, common bathrooms, electric connectivity, potable water arrangements etc., will be provided to shop-owners. Handicraft items made of coir, jute, bamboo, coconut, leather, khadi, terracotta & clay; paintings and brass and silverware will be promoted in the village. The shops will be allotted on first-come-first-serve basis. For booking and clarifications, contact CIAL commercial manager Joseph Peter at 0484-2610115; or log on to [email protected].
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