Context:

A fortnight-long exhibition titled “VIRAASAT” commenced on August 3, 2024, to celebrate the 10th National Handloom Day. 

More on the News

• National Handloom Development Corporation Ltd (NHDC) is organising the handloom expo under the aegis of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India at Handloom Haat, New Delhi.
• The event focuses on the glorious tradition of Handloom and Handicrafts.
• It also provides a market connection to the handloom weavers and artisans. Activities at the event include workshops on natural dyes, live loom demonstrations, folk dances, and regional cuisine tastings.
• The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of handloom artisans in his Mann ki Baat address, urging citizens to promote local products on social media with the hashtag #MyProductMyPride.

National Handloom Day

• It is observed annually on August 7. It commemorates the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905, which promoted indigenous industries.
• The first National Handloom Day was celebrated in 2015 in Chennai, with a focus on honoring the contributions of the handloom weaving community to India’s socio-economic development.

Government Initiatives for the Handloom Industry:

• Mudra Scheme: Under the Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA) scheme, weavers can avail loans at concessional interest rates for working capital and other business needs.
• Yarn Supply Scheme (YSS): YSS ensures adequate and timely supply of yarn to handloom weavers at reasonable prices. 
• National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP): NHDP aims to provide comprehensive support to the handloom sector through cluster-based interventions. 
• Handloom Weavers' Comprehensive Welfare Scheme: This scheme addresses issues related to the health, life and work of handloom weavers. It includes health insurance, life insurance.
• Handloom Mark Scheme: Handloom Mark is a certification that certifies genuine handloom products. 

Handloom Sector in India

• The handloom sector employs approximately 35 lakh people, making it the second-largest employment sector in India after agriculture.
• Unique products such as Banarasi, Jamdani, Patola etc. attract global attention for their exquisite designs and craftsmanship.
• The Government of India has launched various schemes to brand high-quality handloom products with zero defects and zero environmental impact to encourage and give a distinct identity to the products.