National Handloom Day 2024

 

National Handloom Day 2024

Why In News:

National Handloom Day 2024 will be celebrated on August 7th, 2024 to honour India’s rich handloom heritage. As the nation celebrates the 10th National Handloom Day 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a call for ‘Vocal for Local.’ The day promotes indigenous craftsmanship, supports weavers, and highlights the handloom sector’s socio-economic significance.

Significance of Handlooms in India

·       The Handloom Sector in India is a significant and key performing part of the country’s economy, culture, and social fabric. Here are some key aspects that underline the significance of National Handloom Day:

1.     Economic Contribution

Employment: The handloom industry is the second-largest employment provider in India after agriculture.

Handloom Industry and Exports: Handloom products contribute significantly to India’s export earnings was $1802.36 Mn during Apr-Mar 2024;

GDP Contribution: The sector contributes to industrial production around 14%, 4% of GDP, and makes up 13% of export earnings in India and plays a crucial role in the rural economy.

2.     Cultural Significance

Diversity: India has a rich diversity of handloom products, each representing unique regional identities and traditional craftsmanship. From Banarasi silk saris to Pashmina shawls.

Artisan Heritage: The craft of handloom weaving has been passed down through generations, preserving traditional techniques and patterns that are integral to India’s cultural heritage.

3.     Social Importance

Empowerment: Handloom weaving provides empowerment to women, offering them economic independence and social recognition.

 

Government Initiatives and Policies

1.     National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP)

Objective: This programme aims to provide financial assistance for technology upgrades, marketing support, and skill development.

Components: The programme includes comprehensive schemes for marketing, infrastructure development, and social welfare.

2.     Handloom Weavers’ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme

Purpose: The purpose of this scheme is to provide health and life insurance coverage to handloom weavers.

Coverage: This scheme offers insurance benefits under schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).

3.     Yarn Supply Scheme

Aim: This scheme is created to ensure the regular supply of yarn at reasonable prices, enhancing the production capacity of weavers.

Subsidy: This scheme provides a subsidy on the cost of yarn to make handloom products competitive in the market.

4.     MUDRA Scheme for Weavers

Purpose: The MUDRA(Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency) scheme offers financial assistance to handloom weavers and artisans.

Loan: Provides loans up to INR 10 lakhs for business development, supporting the growth of micro and small enterprises in the handloom sector.

5.     Marketing Support

Exhibitions and Fairs: The government organizes national and international exhibitions and fairs to provide a platform for handloom weavers to showcase their products.

E-commerce Platforms: Collaboration with e-commerce giants to facilitate online marketing, ensuring broader reach and better sales.

Challenges Faced by the Handloom Sector

Despite its rich heritage and economic importance, the Handloom Sector in India faces several challenges.

§  Competition from Power Looms

Mechanization: The rise of mechanized power looms has surpassed and neglected the use of traditional handlooms, leading to reduced demand and lower prices for handloom products.

Cost-Effectiveness: Power looms produce textiles more rapidly and cost-effectively, creating a significant threat to handloom weavers.

§  Lack of Modernization

Technology Gap: Many weavers still use traditional methods and lack access to modern technology which affects productivity and quality.

Skill Development: There is a need for comprehensive training programs to upgrade skills and introduce innovative designs that can help the artisans and weavers by developing new efficient skills.

§  Market Access

Limited Reach: Handloom products often have limited market access, with many weavers unable to connect directly with consumers.

Middlemen Exploitation: Weavers are often exploited by middlemen, who take a significant share of the profits, leaving the artisans with insufficient and low earnings.

§  Financial Constraints

Lack of Credit: Many weavers face difficulties in accessing credit facilities, which hinders business expansion and modernization.

High Input Costs: The rising cost of raw materials and yarn affects the profitability of handloom weaving, making it less sustainable for artisans.