Jaipur/Shri Ganganagar – The fourth governing meeting of the Shri Yade Mati Kala Board was held recently in Jaipur, during which several decisions were made for potters.
The meeting, chaired by Shri Prahlad Rai Tak, President of the Shri Yade Mati Kala Board, took place in the conference hall of the Industry Building. Key decisions were made regarding the implementation of budget announcements for the revised budget of 2024-25. Under these provisions, the state will distribute electric wheels and clay kneading machines to potters free of charge.
The board announced the establishment of a "Mati Kala Center of Excellence" in Jaipur with an investment of ₹5 crore, aimed at providing training, marketing, research on clay art products, and direct demonstrations of all processes involved in creating and firing various clay items.
Significant decisions were also taken to address the ongoing issues related to clay availability and transportation for artisans in the state. A proposal was discussed to create a joint committee involving the Revenue Department, Mining Department, and State Pollution Control Board to formulate a clear policy for potters.
The board also decided to celebrate an annual "Mati Utsav" to honor and reward outstanding clay artists at both district and state levels. Additionally, it was resolved that the board would register the state’s clay artisans and issue them identification cards under the name "Mati Kala Card."
Present at the meeting were Shri Ajitab Sharma, Principal Secretary of the Industries and Commerce Department; Shri Rohit Gupta, Commissioner of Industries and Commerce; Shri Giridhar, Joint Secretary of the Energy Department; Shri Birichand Gangwal, Under Secretary of the Revenue Department; Smt. Aparna Nag, Joint Director of the Rajasthan Khadi and Village Industries Board; and Shri Champalal, Member Secretary of the Shri Yade Mati Kala Board, among others.