It will not be a misnomer if we call Deendayal Hastkala Sankul a modern day Trade Facilitation Centre and crafts museum. That is what was the promise by the finance minister Arun Jaitley in the budget 2014-15 to setup a state-of-the-art trade center and crafts museum in Varnasi. The sole purpose was to optimize development and promotion of handlooms, handicrafts, and silk products of Varnasi. Not only that, it also was to organize essential assistance to weavers, artisans, and entrepreneurs of Varanasi. As a matter of fact, it will strengthen their marketing and operational activities not only in domestic but also international markets. This is turn, will ensure keeping the rich tradition of handlooms at Varanasi alive and active.
Deendayal Hastkala Sankul is a sheer pride factor for the whole country. There was a dire need of a Trade Facilitation Centre to help weavers and artisans of Varanasi to integrate into the global economy. It will also acts as a an advisory service to ensure compliance with trade procedures, formalities, and legal & regulatory needs. There is also a provision of bring awreness of new rules and regulations among entrepreneurs. As a matter of act, this is definitely enhance their competitiveness and productivity. On the other hand, it was also important to showcase the age-old rich tradition of Varanasi that wil happen now through this museum, audio-visual shows, and live demonstration to domestic and international tourists.
Deendayal Hastkala Sankul Is A Sheer Pride Factor For India
Deendayal Hastkala Sankul spans in almost 8 acres of land. The built-up area is around 45,000 square metres. The project cost was INR 300 crore. The foundation ceremony was on November 7, 2014, at Bada Lalpur in Varanasi. Its foundation was laid by none other than the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. As a result of this, the inauguration of the first phase of the project was on December 22, 2016 by the Prime Minister. That was the launch of Carfts Museum, Entrance Plaza, and Shopping Arcade. The setup is near the upcoming bypass between NH-29 and NH-56. NH-29 is Varanasi-Gorakhpur Highway and NH-56 is Varanasi-Sultanpur Highway. It takes 30 minutes to Sankul from Varanasi airport and 20 minutes from Sarnath to Sankul.
Photo credit: YamezA via Visualhunt.com / CC BY-NC-ND
Deendayal Hastkala Sankul comprises of automated Building Management System (BMS) and other facilities. Those include central air conditioning, power backup, public address system, fire protection, and ventilation system. It also has lifts/escalators on all levels. There is a central CCTV control room to monitor complete building and its periphery for safety and security. The paking facility has a capacity of around 400 cars 450 two-wheelers. There are, in fact, five blocks. These are:
- Convention hall-cum-Exhibition
- Marts-cum-Office
- Shopping Arcade
- Crafts Museum
- Food court and Guest House
Deendayal Hastkala Sankul to Improve Economy of the city
Yesterday, Narendra Modi dedicated the Deendayal Hastkala Sankul to the nation denoting the successful completion of the project. He had an overview of the facilities. He describes the Trade Facilitation Centre as one of the largest projects for Varanasi for years to come. This, in fact, will become one of the prominent tourist places in Varanasi soon. Gradually, as a matter of fact, it will help in increasing demand of handicrafts. Also, as he says, it will not only boost the tourism potential of Varanasi but also the economoy of the city. He emphasizes that solution to all problems is through development. That is what his government is doing. Bringing about positive change in the lives of the poor and of suceeding generations. In fact, yesterday was also the auspicious day of Nav Durga.
