Shimla, Apr 10 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh government has announced state-level awards 2007 for artists who have made significant contribution in the field of handicraft and handloom, a spokesman of Indusries Department said today .

He said the winners would be honoured by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal in the state level Himachal Day function on April 15, 2008 at Bhoranj in Hamirpur district.

He said the state government had instituted the award to promote the handloom and handicraft sector and made a provision of first, second and third cash prizes of Rs 15,000, 10,000 and 5,000 respectively besides certificate and shawl to weavers and artisans under the scheme.

The spokesman said the first and second prize in handicaraft sector would be awarded to Mr Chander Singh of Kinnaur district and Mr Dhani Ram of Chamba district repectively.

Mr Parmanand of Mandi disrict and Kumari Disha Bhardwaj of Bilaspur district would be awarded the third prize, he added.

According to the spokesman, Mr Narotam Ram of Mandi district and Mr Sita Ram of Kullu district would be awarded the first prize, Kumari Karyudh Dolma of Kinnaur district and Kumari Yashbanti Negi of Kullu district second and third prizes respectively in hanloom sector.

UNI XC AS HS JT DS1508