Lucknow, Oct. 11 -- A new Matikala Portal and e-verification mobile app developed by the Uttar Pradesh Matikala Board were launched by MSME, khadi, handloom and textiles minister Rakesh Sachan on Friday at Khadi Bhawan. On the occasion, the minister also inaugurated the 10-day Matikala Mahotsav 2025 (October 10-19). Sachan distributed electric potters' wheels to 10 artisans, pugmill machines to two artisans, and bank loan cheques to two beneficiaries. The mahotsav features 50 stalls set up by artisans from various districts, showcasing both traditional and modern pottery products. Sachan said that the use of clay to create household and artistic items - including statues, toys, utensils, and other daily-use objects - has been prevalent in the state for centuries. Even today, a large number of artisans are engaged in this traditional craft. The Matikala Board, established on July 19, 2018, aims to promote pottery-based products, preserve and enhance traditional industries through innovation, and create more employment opportunities for artisans. Under the Chief Minister's Matikala Rojgar Yojana, loans have been sanctioned to 1,114 beneficiaries over the past six years to help them establish industrial units. This year, the target is to set up 300 new units. So far, six Common Facility Centres (CFCs) have been established across the state, while three more are being set up in Amethi, Bareilly, and Bijnor. Under various training schemes, technical training has been provided to 16,307 beneficiaries, enterprise operation training to 1,114, and craftsmanship training to 6,786. Prominent among those present on the occasion were Matikala Board general manager Shishir and nodal officer Sanjay Kumar Pandey, among others....