India, Oct. 12 -- In a push to promote traditional craftsmanship and local enterprise, the Delhi government has announced a sweeping reform of its State Handicraft Awards, claiming that it is the first such overhaul in 12 years.

The move triples the prize money and expands the number of awards, while introducing new categories for women, divyang (specially-abled) artisans, startups and young innovators. Industries Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the revision was long overdue and aimed at restoring the real worth of Delhi's artisans.

The prize for the Rajya Shilpkaar Puraskar (State Award) has been increased from Rs.30,000 to Rs.1,00,000, and the Rajya Dakshata Puraskar (State Merit Award) from Rs.20,000 to Rs.75,000. The number of a...