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New Delhi : Union Textiles, Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs & Food and Public Distribution Minister Piyush Goyal on August 7, 2021, said that steps needs to be taken to increase the production capacities of handloom sector from existing Rs 60,000 crore to over Rs 1.25 lakh within three years.
He said that target must be set to increase the export of handloom items from existing Rs 2,500 crore rupees to Rs 10,000 crore in next three years. Addressing an event on the occasion of 7th National Handloom Day here, Goyal said that nation is committed to ensure sustainable development of the handloom sector thereby empowering handloom weavers and workers financially and instilling pride in their exquisite craftsmanship, according to a PIB release.
Goyal announced that a Committee will be constituted consisting of all weavers, trainers equipment makers, marketing experts, and other stakeholders to recommend ways to achieve the objective and improve all round progress of handloom sector. He mentioned that handloom sector has a unique place in our cultural heritage. For centuries, it has been sustained by the inter-generational transfer of weaving and designing skills.
He said that it was in a Kolkata Town Hall meeting held on August 7, 1905, that the Swadeshi Movement was launched which aimed at reviving domestic products and production processes. Goyal added that to commemorate this historical occasion and to celebrate our handloom tradition, PM Narendra Modi declared 7th August as National Handloom Day in 2015. In the 75th year of independence, PM Modi has urged all of us as a nation to buy Indian Handloom products and showcase their grandeur by associating with #MyHandloomMyPride. The minister also urged people to buy at least one handloom item to promote weavers and handloom sector.
Congratulating NHDC for setting up three Handloom Craft Villages at Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala; Mohpara Village, District Golaghat, Assam; and Kanihama, Budgam, Srinagar, in collaboration with the respective State governments, Goyal stated that it will not only provide additional attraction for the domestic and international tourists but also promote the well-known Handloom & Handicraft Products of the region leading to rise in weavers’ income.
Goyal also advised the Handloom Development Corporation to rejuvenate this sector with new ideas and latest technological advancements as per the changing requirements. He said that it is very important to think intelligently as to how this sector can stand on its own feet without government’s support. He said, ‘by making ourselves Atmanirbhar, we can make India Atmanirbhar.’
Goyal and Minister of State for Textiles and Railways Darshana Jardosh jointly inaugurated Design Resource Centre at Kancheepuram, Tamilnadu, and building of Weavers’ Service Centre at Raigarh, Chhatisgarh, on the occasion. Virtual Buyer Seller Meet was also organised by National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC).
Speaking on the occasion. Darshana Jardosh said that it is a sector that directly addresses women’s empowerment with over 70% of all weavers and allied workers being female.
Goyal and Darshana Jardosh also interacted with the weavers who came from different corners of the country to attend the National Handloom Day celebrations. An exihibition depicting rich variety of exquisite handloom products was also organised at Convention hall, Hotel Ashok, where the function was held.
In his address Secretary, Ministry of Textile, U P. Singh, said that an e-commerce portal is being developed in coordination with Digital India Corporation (under MEITY) for handloom weavers and handicraft artisans. This will enable the weavers and artisans to sell directly to consumers. He further said that in order to support the handloom sector and to enable a wider market, steps have been taken to on-board weavers onto the Government e-Market place (GeM). This step would enable weavers to sell their products directly to various Government Departments and organisations. So far, about 1.50 lakh weavers have been on-boarded on the GeM portal, he added.