Dastkar’s objectives

Create self-reliant craft groups who are able to:  

• Take responsibility for their own design, production, accounting and   marketing.

• Be free from dependency on moneylenders and middlemen.

• Work towards the removal of social prejudices (of gender, caste, religion and profession).

Assist craftspeople to use their own skills:

• As a means of employment, income generation and economic self- sufficiency

• To break out of the vicious cycle of poverty.

• To improve other aspects of their lives such as education, health and nutrition.

Provide space and a catalyst for women’s empowerment through crafts.

Improve the capacity of NGOs to support crafts people along these       lines.   

Contribute to the development of an Indian urban market for handicrafts through.

• The design, diversification and production of competitive products and

• Good publicity for and display of crafts products in urban centers.

• Creating awareness of craft issues and skills in the media and in the Government.
• Participation in Craft and Development Forums.