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1. Legacy and Importance
- Handloom is one of the oldest cottage industries in India.
- Reflects India’s rich cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and eco-friendly practices.
- Over 35 lakh weavers and allied workers, with 72% being women.
2. Role in Freedom Movement
- Boosted by the Swadeshi Movement (1905) (launched on 7th August 1905) as a tool for self-reliance.
- National Handloom Day has been celebrated every year on 7th August since 2015.
3. 11th National Handloom Day (2025)
- Held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
- Awards distributed: 5 Sant Kabir Awards, 19 National Handloom Awards.
- Hackathon at IIT Delhi encouraged innovative solutions.
4. Week-long Celebrations (1–8 August 2025)
- “Know Your Weaves” Campaign: Live demos, storytelling, workshops.
- Saree Festival at Handloom Haat.
- Fashion Shows: ‘Vastra Veda’ and ‘Naad’.
- India International Hand-woven Expo: Buyers and weavers connected.
6. Export Potential
- India produces 95% of the world’s handwoven fabric.
- Exports mainly to USA, UAE, Netherlands, France, UK.
- Main products: made-ups (42.4%), floor coverings (40.6%), apparel (12.7%).
Government Schemes for Handloom Development:
| Scheme | Objective/Focus | Key Highlights |
| National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) | Holistic support for weavers (raw material, design, infra, marketing) | – Cluster Development – Urban Haats – Exhibitions – Product diversification |
| Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS) | Ensure affordable yarn supply | – Subsidised yarn (cotton, silk, wool, etc.) – Freight reimbursement – Dyed yarn support |
| MUDRA Loan Scheme | Provide concessional loans to weavers | – 6% interest – Margin money: ₹25,000 (individual), ₹20 lakh (org.) – Online portal available |
| Marketing Assistance Scheme | Promote weavers through expos and digital platforms | – Participation in fairs – E-commerce tie-ups with 23 companies |
| Handloom Mark & India Handloom Brand (IHB) | Certify handloom products | – Ensure authenticity and quality – Branding with major retail companies |
| Small Cluster Development Programme (SCDP) | Support small clusters with need-based financial help | – Max ₹2 crore per cluster for infrastructure and equipment |
| Skill Up-gradation Training | Train weavers in modern techniques and management | – Dyeing, design, loom skills – Digital literacy and e-commerce exposure |
| Hathkargha Samvardhan Sahayata | Upgrade looms and improve productivity | – Govt covers 90% of equipment cost – State involvement in implementation |
| Workshed Scheme | Provide dedicated workspace near homes | – ₹1.2 lakh per unit – 100% aid for marginalised groups, 75% for others |
| Engagement of Designers | Encourage product innovation | – Designer fees + financial aid for market linkages |
| Protection under GI Act | Register unique traditional weaves under GI Act | – 104 handloom GI products registered out of 658 total |
| Digital Marketing (GeM & IndiaHandmade) | Promote online sales of handloom products | – 1.80 lakh+ onboarded on GeM – 2,418 sellers on indiahandmade.com |
Why in News?
- The 11th National Handloom Day (7 August 2025) celebrates India’s handloom legacy with awards, hackathon, cultural events, and a push for innovation and global outreach.
