Question : Contribution of Handloom and Handicraft Sectors

(a) whether the handloom and handicraft sectors contribute a sizeable revenue to the Indian economy and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether handloom and handicraft industry is facing challenges arising from the absence of patronage, lack of quality raw material and working capital, poor infrastructure and the influx of cheaper substitutes and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether Indian handcraft is also witnessing huge demand in domestic as well as international markets;

(d) if so, whether a majority of craftsmen live in areas that have not seen the same pace of development as Tier-1 or Ter-2 cities;

(e) if so, the scheme prepared and implemented by the Union Government to meet the domestic as well as international demand ; and

(f) whether Indian craft is trying to adapt to changing global trends and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES
(SHRI AJAY TAMTA)

(a): As per available data, the production and export of handloom cloth and garments during year 2015-16 was 720 crore sq.mtrs and Rs.2353 crore respectively. In year 2015-16, it is estimated that total production of handicrafts including handmade carpets was Rs.41418 crore and export of handicrafts was Rs.30939 crores.

(b) to (f): Most of the handloom weavers and handicraft artisans live in rural areas. Overall there has been a growing demand for handicraft products both in domestic and international markets. Several interventions have been implemented by the Government to help Indian crafts artisans to adopt to change global trends.

To address the challenges being faced by handloom and handicrafts industries, Govt. Of India is implementing the following schemes:-

1. Handloom Sector:

i) National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP)
ii) Yarn Supply Scheme (YSS)
iii) Handloom Weavers’ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme (HWCWS)
iv) Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS)
(for development of 8 Mega handloom clusters)

2. Handicrafts Sector:

i) Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana
ii) Marketing Support & Services Scheme
iii) Research & Development Scheme
iv) Mega Cluster Scheme

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