Union Minister of Textiles Dr. K S Rao has said that Handicraft sector is providing direct employment to more than 70 lakh artisans and craft persons, mostly from backward and weaker sections of society. Speaking on the occasion of 19th handicrafts Export Awards function held in New Delhi, the Minister expressed the hope that the handicrafts export can be doubled in three years, if suitable measures are taken. On this occasion the minister gave away Export Awards to 65 companies in different categories .