New Delhi, Jan 5 (UNI) Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' and Union Minister for Women & Child Development and Textiles Smriti Zubin Irani on Tuesday jointly launched the Toycathon-2021, as well as the Toycathon Portal.

The Toycathon aims to conceptualise innovative toys based on the Indian value system, which will inculcate the positive behaviour and good value among the children.

On the occasion, Mr Pokhriyal said the Toycathon is being organised to develop India as the global Toy manufacturing hub.

He said the size of toy market in India is about one billion USD but unfortunately, 80 per cent of the toys are imported. Toycathon is an endeavour by the government to create an eco-system for the domestic Toy industry and the local manufacturers, tapping the untapped resources and utilising their potential, added the Minister.

Recalling the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of five trillion-dollar economy and considering the huge potential of Indian toy market, Mr Pokhriyal exhorted all to make India 'Atmanirbhar' in Toy industry.

He further said the National Education Policy-2020 also lays emphasis on innovation and research in learning, starting from the primary education.

Aligned with the goals of National Education Policy, the Toycathon aims to capture innovative prowess of 33 crores students across the country, he added.

Addressing a press conference, Ms Irani said the country imports 80 per cent of toys and the government is working towards promoting the indigenous toy industry, for making the country self-reliant in this sector.

She said the collaboration with the Ministry of Education paves way for the students, faculties from all schools, colleges and Universities of the country, to answer the clarion call of Atmanirbhar Bharat through this Toycathon.

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