Handloom Sector

The Union Textile Ministry recently mentioned that it has undertaken various measures for promoting the handloom sector.

Major Schemes

• National Handloom Development Programme: Under the Programme, financial assistance is provided to eligible handloom organisations/workers for upgraded looms and accessories, solar lighting units, construction of worksheds, product and design development, technical and common infrastructure, marketing of handloom products in domestic/overseas markets, etc.
• Weavers’ MUDRA Loan/Concessional Credit Scheme: Under the scheme, margin money assistance for individual weaver and Handloom Organizations; interest subvention and credit guarantee fees on loans for a period of three years are provided.
• Raw Material Supply Scheme: The Ministry provides transport subsidy, for transportation of yarn to the doorstep of the beneficiary, and 15 per cent price subsidy on Cotton Hank Yarn, Domestic Silk, Woollen and Linen yarn and blended yarn of natural fibres.
• Handloom Export Promotion Council: For export promotion of handloom products, Handloom Export Promotion Council has been participating/organizing international marketing fairs/events for providing prominence to Indian handloom products globally.
• The 'India Handloom' Brand was launched on August 7, 2015, on the occasion of the National Handloom Day, to brand high-quality handloom products with zero defects. Since the launch of the "India Handloom" Brand, 1,998 registrations have been issued under 184 product categories.
• GeM Onboarding:Allows weavers to sell directly to government departments via the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
• Handloom Producer Companies: 124 companies formed across states, with UNDP aiding in the capacity building of 100 of these companies.
• Engagement with E-commerce Entities: Collaboration with 23 e-commerce platforms to expand market access for handloom products.
• Design Resource Centers (DRCs):Established in major cities to enhance design excellence in handlooms.
• Weavers’ Welfare Scheme: Includes National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP), Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS), Handloom Weavers’ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme (HWCWS), Yarn Supply Scheme (YSS), and Hathkargha Samvardhan Sahayata.
• Handloom Export Scheme: Supports the export of handloom products and participation in international fairs.
• GI Tags: From April 2023 to March 2024, the government awarded GI tags to several handloom products, enhancing their recognition and economic value. These products include:
  • Barabanki Handloom Products from Uttar Pradesh
  • Chedibutta Saree from Tamil Nadu
  • Jodhpur Bandhej Craft from Rajasthan
  • Basohli Pashmina Woolen Products from Jammu & Kashmir
  • Rangwali Pichhoda of Kumaon from Uttarakhand
  • Tangail Sareefrom West Bengal
  • Garad Sareefrom West Bengal
  • Korial sareefrom West Bengal