The Small Scale and Cottage Sector helps to solve social and economic problems of the artisans, by providing employment to over 7 millions artisans (including those in the Carpets trades) which include a large number of women and people belonging to weaker sections of the society. In addition to the high potential for employment, the Sector is economically important from the point of low capital investment, high ratio of value addition, and high potential for export and foreign exchange earnings for the country.