NATIONAL HANDLOOM DAY 2024
Source: PIB
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Context
- Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 7 August wished the people on occasion of National Handloom Day.
Details
- The handloom sector in India holds significant cultural and economic importance.
- It is one of the largest unorganized economic activities and a major source of livelihood, especially in rural and semi-rural areas.
- The sector is rich with a variety of weaving traditions that reflect India's cultural diversity.
Historical Significance
- Handloom weaving in India dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization and has been an integral part of Indian culture and heritage.
- Each region has developed its unique style, such as Patola from Gujarat, Jamdani from Uttar Pradesh, and Pochampally from Telangana.
- These handloom products are known for their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and use of natural fibers like cotton, silk, and wool.
Economic Significance
- Employment Generation: The handloom sector is the second-largest employment generator in India after agriculture, providing jobs to over three million artisans, including a substantial percentage from marginalized communities like SC, ST, and OBC​.
- Export Driver: Indian handloom products are in demand globally, especially in developed countries and the Middle East. The sector's exports have consistently exceeded USD 300 million annually​.
- Sustainability: Handloom products are eco-friendly, made from organic materials, and involve minimal use of power, making them a sustainable choice​.
Key StatisticsTotal Handloom Workers: Approximately 35.22 lakh Total Women Handloom Workers: Approximately 25.46 lakh (72.29% of total) Major Handloom States: Assam, West Bengal, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh Urban vs Rural: Majority (90%) of handloom workers are in rural areas Education Levels: 25% of weavers have not received any formal education Economic Contribution: Exports of handloom products stood at US$ 266.88 million in FY22 Export Trends Major Products: Mats and mattings, carpets, rugs, bedsheets, and cushion covers. Export Centers: Key centers include Karur, Panipat, Varanasi, and Kannur. Export Figures: In 2022-23, India's export of handloom products like mats and mattings constituted 12.40% of the total handloom exports. |
Challenges
Despite its rich heritage and economic significance, the handloom sector faces several challenges:
- Market Demand: There is a lack of consistent market demand, which affects the income and sustainability of handloom weavers​.
- Access to Capital: Many weavers struggle with limited access to credit and capital, which hampers their ability to invest in quality raw materials and modernize their production processes​.
- Competition from Powerlooms: The handloom sector faces stiff competition from powerloom and mill-made textiles, which are often cheaper and produced in larger quantities​.
Celebrating Handloom Heritage
- National Handloom Day, observed on August 7, commemorates the Swadeshi Movement's launch in 1905, which played a crucial role in reviving the Indian handloom industry during the independence struggle.
- The day highlights the contributions of the handloom sector to India's heritage and the importance of supporting weavers​.
- In 2024, National Handloom Day was marked by a special event, "Virasat," showcasing handloom products from various regions, workshops on natural dyes, design, and export, and cultural activities​
State-wise Handloom
State/UT |
Major Handloom Products |
Andhra Pradesh |
Kalamkari, Pochampally Ikkat |
Arunachal Pradesh |
Shawls, Jackets, Skirts |
Assam |
Assam Silk, Muga Silk |
Bihar |
Tussar Silk, Bhagalpuri Silk |
Chhattisgarh |
Kosa Silk |
Delhi |
Carpets, Rugs |
Goa |
Bedspreads, Tablecloths |
Gujarat |
Bandhani, Patola |
Haryana |
Durries, Furnishings |
Himachal Pradesh |
Kullu Shawls, Kinnauri Shawls |
Jammu and Kashmir |
Pashmina Shawls, Carpets |
Jharkhand |
Tussar Silk |
Karnataka |
Ilkal Sarees, Kasuti Embroidery |
Kerala |
Kasavu Sarees, Mundu |
Ladakh |
Woolen Shawls, Carpets |
Madhya Pradesh |
Chanderi Sarees, Maheshwari Sarees |
Maharashtra |
Paithani Sarees |
Manipur |
Phanek, Innaphi |
Meghalaya |
Shawls, Stoles |
Mizoram |
Puanchei, Puandum |
Nagaland |
Naga Shawls, Mekhela |
Odisha |
Sambalpuri Sarees, Ikat |
Puducherry |
Home Furnishings, Towels |
Punjab |
Phulkari, Shawls |
Rajasthan |
Kota Doria, Bandhani |
Sikkim |
Woolen Carpets, Blankets |
Tamil Nadu |
Kancheepuram Silk, Madurai Sungudi |
Telangana |
Pochampally Ikkat, Gadwal Sarees |
Tripura |
Risa, Rignai |
Uttar Pradesh |
Banarasi Sarees, Brocades |
Uttarakhand |
Woolen Shawls, Rugs |
West Bengal |
Baluchari Sarees, Tangail Sarees |
Total |
- |
Schemes for the Handloom Sector in India
Scheme/Initiative |
Description |
Key Features |
Target Group |
Funding/Support |
National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) |
Facilitates the sustainable development of handloom weavers. |
Need-based assistance, product development, infrastructure support. |
Handloom weavers and clusters |
Government grants and technical support |
Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) |
Builds mega handloom clusters with at least 10,000 looms each. |
Development plans, technology advancement, marketing complexes, dye houses. |
Handloom clusters in select regions |
Up to Rs. 30 crores per cluster |
Handloom Weavers’ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme (HWCWS) |
Provides social security and welfare benefits to handloom weavers. |
Insurance coverage (life, accidental, disability), financial assistance for education. |
Handloom weavers and their families |
Various insurance schemes (PMJJBY, PMSBY, MGBBY) |
Weavers Mudra Scheme |
Supports the credit needs of the handloom sector. |
Credit at 6% interest rate, margin money support, credit guarantee. |
Handloom weavers |
Margin money up to Rs. 10,000, 3-year credit guarantee |
Yarn Supply Scheme (YSS) |
Ensures availability of yarn at Mill Gate Price. |
Freight reimbursement, 10% price subsidy on hank yarn for cotton, silk, wool, and linen. |
Handloom weavers |
Subsidized yarn through National Handloom Development Corporation |
Handloom Marketing Assistance (HMA) |
Promotes marketing of handloom products. |
Development of domestic and export marketing channels, linkage between markets. |
Handloom weavers and cooperatives |
Financial assistance for marketing initiatives |
Pradhan Mantri Credit Scheme for Powerloom Weavers |
Facilitates credit access for powerloom weavers. |
Credit at subsidized interest rates, margin money assistance. |
Powerloom weavers |
Margin money subsidy, interest subsidy |
Export Promotion Scheme |
Enhances the export potential of handloom products. |
Assistance for participation in international fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets. |
Handloom exporters |
Financial assistance for participation and travel |
Design and Technology Upgradation Scheme |
Improves design and technological capabilities of handloom sector. |
Support for modern looms, CAD/CAM systems, design workshops. |
Handloom weavers and clusters |
Financial support for technology and design upgrades |
Bunkar Mitra Helpline |
Provides assistance and information to handloom weavers. |
Toll-free helpline for queries related to schemes, benefits, and grievances. |
Handloom weavers and workers |
Operational support from Ministry of Textiles |
Mega Handloom Cluster Scheme |
Focuses on holistic development of major handloom clusters. |
Interventions like infrastructure development, skill upgradation, and marketing support. |
Handloom clusters |
Significant funding based on cluster needs |
Handloom Reservation Act |
Protects handloom weavers from competition from powerlooms and mill sector. |
Reservation of certain textile items exclusively for production by handlooms. |
Handloom weavers |
Legal protection and enforcement |
Research & Development Scheme |
Promotes research in the handloom sector for innovation and development. |
Funding for research projects, collaboration with textile research associations. |
Research institutions and handloom organizations |
Financial grants for approved research projects |
Handloom Award Schemes |
Recognizes outstanding contributions and promotes excellence in the handloom sector. |
National Awards, Sant Kabir Awards, and other recognition for exemplary work. |
Individual weavers, cooperatives, and organizations |
Awards and cash prizes |
PM-MITRA (Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel) Scheme |
Aims to create world-class infrastructure for the textile industry. |
Development of 7 Mega Textile Parks over 3 years, enabling infrastructure, skill development, and manufacturing. |
Textile sector including handloom |
Government investment up to Rs. 4,445 crore |
SAMARTH (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector) |
Enhances skills of the handloom workers. |
Training programmes, skill development initiatives, employment linkages. |
Textile workers including handloom weavers |
Financial and technical support for training initiatives |
Fourth All India Handloom Census (2019-2020)
Category |
Statistics |
Total Handloom Worker Households |
31,44,839 |
Total Weaver Households |
25,45,000 |
Total Handloom Workers |
26,73,891 |
Total Allied Workers |
8,48,621 |
Weaver Households by Income |
- < ₹5,000: 67.1% |
Total States and UTs Covered |
31 |
Total Looms |
27,82,000 |
New Enumeration |
Transgenders enumerated separately for the first time |
Total Number of Female Weavers |
72.3% of the total weavers |
Handloom Cloth Production (2018-2019) |
1,619 million square meters |
Average Annual Income |
₹43,727 |
Top States by Number of Weavers |
Assam, West Bengal, Manipur, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh |
State-wise Data (Top 5 States)
State |
Weaver Households |
Allied Worker Households |
Assam |
10,90,573 |
1,34,293 |
West Bengal |
2,67,793 |
1,02,00 |
Tamil Nadu |
2,86,267 |
54,100 |
Andhra Pradesh |
53,660 |
45,000 |
Manipur |
11,195 |
34,100 |
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q: Discuss the significance of the handloom sector in India’s socio-economic landscape. What are the major challenges faced by the handloom weavers, and how do government schemes aim to address these issues? Critically analyze the effectiveness of these schemes. (250 words) |