The nation is celebrating 6th National Handloom Day today!
In a virtual programme, the Union Minister of Textiles and Women & Child Development, Smriti Irani announced 5 major initiatives that marked the occasion. Jairam Thakur, Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh, was present through virtual mode from Kangra.
Besides, Secretary (Textiles) Ravi Capoor and Development Commissioner (Handlooms) Sanjay Rastogi were also present at the function.
Some of the initiatives that were announced today are as follows:
1. Launching of Mobile App & Backend Website for Handloom Mark Scheme
Textiles Committee Mumbai has developed the Mobile App with a Backend Web portal to completely digitise the process of registration. The App is in English and 10 Indian languages and will enable the weavers located at any corner of the country to apply for Handloom Mark registration in the comfort of their homes by a click of a button on their mobiles.
This app helps ascertain the genuineness and originality of the product through unique and dynamic QR code labels affixed on each handloom product.
2. Inauguration of My Handloom Portal
This portal is for individual weavers as well as other organisations to apply for various benefits under the various handloom schemes like Block Level Clusters, Handloom Marketing Assistance and Awards. The portal with a single ‘sign-in’ is to act as one-stop shop for information on all handloom schemes which will retain information, and will ensure transparency and provide real-time status update on applications under National handloom Development programme, as also the information on various schemes/interventions such as Mudra Loan Scheme, Weavers’ Insurance, Yarn Supply, distribution of looms and accessories, number of trainings, etc. An Online lottery System for transparent allotment of stalls for various events such as melas, Dilli Haats, etc. has been introduced. The portal will be linked to e-office and DBT portal.
3. Virtual Indian Textile Sourcing Fair 2020
The fair will connect more than 150 participants from different regions of the country showcasing their products with unique designs and skills. The Indian Textile Sourcing Fair will be open on 7, 10 and 11 August 2020. The show has already attracted considerable attention of international buyers.
4. Craft Handloom Village, Kullu
Craft Handloom Village, Kullu, is being established in association with District Administration, Kullu (Himachal Pradesh). The state is making efforts to implement One District-One Product scheme so that both the districts and products are able to carve out a distinct identity of their own.
5. Social media campaign #Vocal4Handmade launched to promote handloom products
To mark the occasion and to instil pride of workmanship of handloom weaving amongst citizens, this two-week social media campaign has been launched for the handloom weaving community. Textile minister has appealed to all Ministers in the Council of Ministers, Lieutenant Governors, CM of States, MPs of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha as well as eminent Industrialists, friends and family to express solidarity with the weaving community through their social media accounts so as to motivate others to do the same.