In a significant move to bolster the handloom and handicraft sector, the Union Textiles Ministry anticipates an infusion of Rs 1,000 crore over the next four to five years, as revealed by Amrit Raj, the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) at the Ministry of Textiles.

During a visit to ‘HGH India,’ a prominent bi-annual trade show for home, gifts, and houseware, hosted at the India Expo Mart and Centre in Greater Noida, Raj underscored the government’s commitment to further elevate the sector. The ambitious investment plan comes against the backdrop of approximately 35 lakh artisans spread across the nation, emphasizing the need for robust support and development initiatives as reported by Business Standard.

Raj conveyed, “In the DC Handicrafts office, we are allocating about Rs 300 crore annually to this sector. It’s a vast domain. While we strive to provide comprehensive support, our emphasis remains on bolstering the marketing and design innovation components. The artisans are skilled, and we acknowledge their expertise.”

Identifying the primary challenge as making the sector more market-friendly, Raj highlighted the necessity of aligning with evolving consumer trends. “To meet this challenge, we anticipate an additional Rs 1,000 crore investment in the next four to five years,” she added.

The official shed light on the government’s proactive role in enhancing the design aspect of India’s handloom and handcrafted heritage. Acting as a bridge between design enthusiasts and master creators, the government has been investing in advanced training for artisans, aiming to enhance their marketing capabilities and product reach.

“We are witnessing an abundance of art and age-old talent among our artisans. To cater to an ever-evolving consumer market, we are innovating age-old designs, aligning them with contemporary trends,” Raj affirmed.

The central government’s focus on nurturing the handloom and handicraft sector as a vital cultural heritage was emphasized. Efforts are directed towards facilitating collaborations between emerging design enthusiasts and seasoned artisans, ensuring the preservation and adaptation of traditional artistry.

The ongoing ‘HGH India’ trade show reflects the sector’s diversity and growth, with over 100 new exhibitors participating, including representatives from Italy and Turkey. Noteworthy is the involvement of exhibitors from key Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Jodhpur, Indore, Chennai, Kochi, and various Northeastern states, marking a substantial expansion of the event’s geographical footprint.

As the government positions itself as a catalyst for growth in the handloom and handicraft sector, the proposed Rs 1,000 crore investment holds the promise of fostering innovation, preserving cultural heritage, and bolstering the livelihoods of millions of skilled artisans across the nation.

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