Free Essays for Competitive Exams-New Dimensions in Handloom Sector

New Dimensions in Handloom Sector

The handloom sector is one of the largest unorganised economic activities after agriculture and constitutes an integral part of the rural and semi rural livelihood. Handloom weaving constitutes one of the richest and most vibrant aspects of the Indian cultural heritage. The sector has advantages of being less capital intensive, minimal use of power, eco-friendly, and flexibility of small production, openness to innovations and adaptability to market requirements. Handloom weaving is largely decentralised and the weavers are mainly from the vulnerable and weaker sections of the society, who weave for their household needs and also contribute to the production in the textile sector. The weavers of this industry are keeping alive the traditional craft of different states. As per 3^rd Handloom Census, carried out in 2009-10, more than 43 lakh people are engaged in weaving and allied activities. Out of the 38.47 lakh, adult weavers and workers in the country, 77% are women and 23% male weavers.

      The handloom exports are increasing over the years. In 2012-13, the export has reached to 281.97 crore in comparison to 1252.79 crore in 2009-10. There are some significant changes in handloom sector like quality of handloom product has improved, more weavers are adopting full time profession and many high end retailers are selling handloom products. The handloom sector has certain strength which interwoven with other sectors. But despite the strength in the handloom sectors, numbers of handloom weavers are declining sharply. Low productivity in comparison to powerloom and mill sector, limited scope of technological upgradation, shifting of skilled labour to other sector and reluctance of younger generation to accept the profession are some of the challenges being faced by the sector. Ministry of Textiles has taken some major initiatives to improve the situation. Government has begun to input support to weavers to enhance their capabilities.

Plan Schemes Implemented during 11^th Plan:

During 11^th Five Year Plan (2007-08 to 2011-12) and 2012-13, the following plan schemes have been implemented by the office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, which are under implementation during current 2013-14 year.

1.    Integrated Handlooms Development Scheme (IHDS)

2.    Handloom Weavers’ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme (HWCWS)

(i)            Health Insurances Scheme (HIS)

(ii)            Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar  Bima Yojona (MGBBY)

3.    Marketing & Export Promotion Scheme (M&EPS)

4.    Mill Gate Price scheme (MGPS)

5.    Diversified Handloom development scheme (DHDS)

6.    Revival, Reform and Restructuring (RRR) Package.

Government is adopting focused, flexible and holistic approach during 12^th plan to meet the challenges of domestic and global markets. To achieve these objectives, National handloom Development Programe, Handloom weavers’ Comprehensive welfare Scheme and Yarn Supply Scheme have been adopted by the Government during 12^th plan period.

The budget for handloom sector for 12^th plan is 4314.31 crore, out of which RS.2680 crore was allocated for RRR package during 2012-13. The budget allocation for 12013-14 is Rs.487 crore.