79th Independence Day: Handlooms Spin Aatmanirbhar Bharat’s Growth Story Under PM Modi’s Vision

News Analysis: India’s Handloom Sector and Swadeshi Jagran Initiatives

Context:

• Amid global trade tensions, India emphasizes economic self-reliance and the Make-in-India initiative.
• The handloom sector, one of the world’s oldest cottage industries, is a key pillar of Swadeshi Jagran and rural economic empowerment.
• 11th National Handloom Day celebrated on August 7, 2025, with initiatives like Exclusive Handloom Expo and Haat on Wheels in New Delhi.

Key Highlights:

1. Economic and Cultural Significance:
   • Preserves India’s rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship.
   • Provides livelihoods to millions of rural artisans, supporting women’s empowerment and rural economy.
2. Government Schemes and Impact (Last 5 Years):
   • Beneficiaries: Over 644,985 weavers and 510,320 artisans nationwide.
   • Major state impacts:
     • Tamil Nadu: ~125,463 weavers, 13,806 artisans
     • Uttar Pradesh: 120,818 weavers, 104,054 artisans
     • Odisha: 34,538 weavers, 16,210 artisans
   • Schemes include:
     • National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP)
     • Raw Material Supply Scheme
     • Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme
     • Weavers’ MUDRA Scheme
   • Benefits: Raw materials, upgraded looms, design innovation, marketing support, concessional credit, social security.
3. State-Level Initiatives:
   • Arunachal Pradesh: Handloom and Handicrafts Policy 2025, empowering tribal weavers.
   • Meghalaya: GI tagging of Ryndia and Khasi handloom products, promoting identity and economic value.
   • Odisha: EKTA exhibition, textile summit, six textile parks, MoUs worth Rs 7,808 crore, ~53,300 jobs projected.
4. Financial Support (Budget 2025):
   • NHDP: Rs 200 crore
   • Cotton Mission: Rs 600 crore
   • Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme: Rs 635 crore
   • Research & Capacity Building: Rs 1,948 crore
   • Handicraft sector: Rs 260 crore
5. Social Security & Welfare:
   • Handloom Weavers’ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme: Insurance, scholarships (PMJJBY, PMSBY, MGBBY), education via IGNOU/NIOS.
   • Hathkargha Samvardhan Sahayata: Covers 90% of upgraded loom costs.

Significance for UPSC:

• Economic & Rural Development: Handloom sector as a driver of employment, women empowerment, and rural livelihoods.
• Cultural Heritage: Preserving traditional crafts in line with Swadeshi Jagran.
• Policy & Governance: Examples of central-state collaboration, effective scheme implementation, and Make-in-India initiatives.
• Global Relevance: Strengthening India’s brand and competitiveness in traditional textiles.

Updated: August 14, 2025, 12:45 PM

Source: DD News