Image Source: indiahandloombrand
In order to give a fillip to the Indian handloom sector, the government has launched a dedicated e-commerce portal where handloom weavers can directly sell their products to consumers. The website: www.indiahandloombrand.gov.in launched by the Ministry of Textiles also contains the registration details of the sellers by which consumers can verify the authenticity of handloom products.
Features of the website
The website has been launched under the India Handloom brand (IHB) which seeks to give an identity to the unique and legacy handloom products of India like the Banarasi saree and the Kullu shawl. The main features of the website are:
1. A store locator where users can search for products being sold in different regions of the country.
2. A directory of registered sellers which gives the registration numbers of all the enlisted sellers. The consumers can verify the genuineness of the products they are buying by matching the number printed on the product with the number mentioned on the website.
3. A registration portal where handloom weavers can connect with the website and update their products online.
4. A list of empanelled label suppliers from where sellers can obtain certified marks on their products.
Since the website is just launched, all sections do not show information as of now. For instance when we try to see the Product Details in the directory of registered sellers, it only shows the name of the product. It is hoped that gradually all sections of the website are duly updated so that the unique skills of our handloom weavers can be presented to the global consumer base in a comprehensive way.
Advantages of the initiative
Considering that the richness of Indian handloom products and the incredible talent of our weavers get overshadowed by glitzy glamorous brands and corrupt middlemen, such a global platform where buyers and sellers can connect directly is indispensable. If pursued diligently, the Indian Handloom Brand can become a major player in the ever-growing fashion segment around the world. As per economictimes, the online fashion market in India is expected to touch $35 billion by 2020, indicating a huge potential where the IHB can make a mark.
There is another advantage of this initiative. The handloom industry is the second largest employer of rural population in India, and an upliftment of this sector can provide a boon to lakhs of people. However, according to the labour ministry’s 25th quarterly report, there was a monthly decline of 1.15% in employment in the handloom sector between December 2014 and March 2015. In this situation, bringing the large Indian and international consumer-base to the doorstep of the weavers can become a game-changer in the rural economy.
The Logical Indian community applauds this initiative by the Modi govt and hopes to see a major change in the lives of our handloom weavers who can now finally get the fruits of their labour.
– Abhishek Mittal
