The Minister said that the handloom industry constitutes 30% of the total export business, and that this figure could be and must be much higher
The Union Minister of State for Textiles, Panabaka Lakshmi, on Thursday said that concerted efforts were being made through schemes and programs to enhance production, productivity and efficiency in the handloom sector, thus enhancing the income and the socio-economic status of weavers. The government also provides loans to the handloom weavers at concessional rates, she claimed.
Panabaka Lakshmi was speaking at a session on "Boosting Market Linkages in the Handloom Sector" organised by the Hyderabad chapter of the ASSOCHAM Ladies League (ALL), the women's wing of ASSOCHAM which has ace women entrepreneurs as members.
The Minister said that the handloom industry constitutes 30% of the total export business, and that this figure could be and must be much higher. She said, "This sector is the country's second largest employment provider after agriculture, and generates employment for more than 65 lakh people. Yet, prosperity and growth needs to reach to weavers and artisans. This can be done by bringing entrepreneurship and industry into the equation. Time has come when we need global market development and extensive industry linkages."
Well-known youth leader Alka Lamba said, "The element of hand work and unique craft in Indian handlooms make it rightly poised for the upper luxury segments of the market, and India is richer in this legacy compared to other countries." Ravita Mayor, Committee Chairperson, Textile & Design, Hyderabad Chapter, ALL, said, "Young designers should promote handloom in mission-mode, and celebrities should come forward to endorse it as brand ambassadors."
Suman Gahlot, Chapter Chairperson, said "Handloom will remain a focus area for the Hyderabad chapter of ASSOCHAM Ladies League and more allied events are being planned to push the case for market linkages for handlooms. The Taj Group supports the cause of weavers and has adopted many villages for the same." Seema Kumar, Chapter Vice-Chairperson, Hyderabad Chapter, ALL, thanked the government dignitaries, ASSOCHAM, and the audience consisting of many of the elite of Hyderabad including well-known designers and textile business owners. (INN)