Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Organizes Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 in Guwahati to Empower Artisans
Distilled Policy Brief
- The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is organizing the eight-day 'Shilp Samagam Mela 2026' from October 21 to 28, 2026, at Khanapara, Guwahati, serving as the second fair in the series for FY 2026-27.
- The event features 75 artisans, including 31 women, showcasing around 40 varieties of handloom and handicraft products from North-Eastern and other states.
- The fair promotes marketing linkages through the 'BHARAT-TULIP' (Traditional Artisans Upgradation Livelihood Programme) via physical outlets and e-commerce platforms.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
Shilp Samagam Mela is an initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to provide marketing support to artisans associated with its three national corporations: NSFDC, NSKFDC, and NBCFDC.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Examine how market-linked platforms like BHARAT-TULIP and institutional support from national corporations empower marginalized sections including SCs, OBCs, Safai Mitras, and DNTs by transforming traditional skills into sustainable livelihoods.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
Consider the following statements regarding the 'Shilp Samagam Mela 2026': 1. It is organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. 2. The Guwahati edition is the second fair in the series for the financial year 2026-27, following its predecessor in Mysuru, Karnataka. 3. The fair exclusively features artisans from the North-Eastern states of India. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- [A] 1 and 2 only
- [B] 2 and 3 only
- [C] 1 and 3 only
- [D] 1, 2 and 3
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
Statements 1 and 2 are correct because the 'Shilp Samagam Mela 2026' is organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and the Guwahati edition serves as the second fair in the series for FY 2026-27 after the successful conclusion of the first edition in Mysuru, Karnataka. Statement 3 is incorrect because the fair features artisans from both the North-Eastern states and various other parts of the country.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.