Daily Answer Writing for UPSC –8th August 2023

In this Article, We Will Discuss Questions About Daily Answer Writing for UPSC on 8th August 2023 That Will Help You To Prepare for the UPSC Exam.

Question: “Discuss the challenges faced by the handloom industry in India and suggest measures to promote and revitalize this traditional craft, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for artisans and preserving the rich cultural heritage.”(250 words)

Answer:

The handloom sector in India is a significant unorganized economic activity that has a long tradition of exceptional craftsmanship, showcasing and preserving the vibrant Indian culture. Indian handloom artisans are renowned worldwide for their unique hand-spinning, weaving, and printing techniques. Hailing from small towns and villages across the country, these artisans pass down their skills from one generation to the next. With 23.77 lakh looms, the handloom industry is the largest cottage industry in the country.

Challenges Faced by the Handloom Industry:

1. Competition from Power Looms: The rise of machine-produced textiles, which are often cheaper and faster, has intensified the competition for handloom products. For example, mass-produced fabrics that imitate the intricate designs of famous Banarasi sarees pose a threat to the handloom industry.

2. Economic Exploitation: Artisans often find themselves at the mercy of intermediaries who purchase their products at low prices and sell them at higher rates, leading to economic marginalization. This leaves weavers struggling to sustain their livelihoods and hampers their growth.

3. Decline in Artisan Numbers: The traditional art of handloom weaving, passed down through generations, faces the risk of extinction as younger artisans seek more lucrative employment opportunities. This trend is particularly noticeable in regions like Kanchipuram, where younger weavers opt for alternative careers.

4. Limited Market Exposure: Handloom textiles struggle to compete with internationally recognized brands and fast fashion trends. Even famous handloom products like Pochampally sarees, known for their intricate patterns, face challenges in capturing the attention of modern consumers.

Measures to Promote and Revitalize the Handloom Industry:

1. Financial Support and Incentives: Initiatives like providing interest-free loans and subsidies for raw materials, as implemented by the Odisha government, significantly alleviate the economic burdens faced by handloom weavers.

2. Market Promotion and Branding: The ‘Make in India’ campaign has successfully brought recognition to traditional textiles like khadi on a global scale, attracting younger consumers interested in eco-friendly and sustainable products.

3. Skill Development and Training: Platforms such as ‘Hunar Haat,’ organized by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, provide opportunities for artisans to showcase their skills and directly engage with consumers, generating interest among the youth.

4. Collaborations and Design Interventions: Collaborations between renowned designers and artisans have resulted in the creation of unique products that blend traditional techniques with contemporary designs.

5. Research and Development: Institutions like the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) are actively researching innovative ways to incorporate handloom textiles into modern fashion trends, thereby attracting a younger customer base.

6. Legal Protection and Copyrights: The granting of Geographical Indication (GI) tags to specific handloom products, such as Kanchipuram silk sarees, ensures their authenticity and provides rightful recognition to the artisans.

By implementing measures such as financial support, market promotion, skill development, collaborations, and legal protection, India can revitalize its handloom industry. These efforts will enable artisans to regain economic stability, preserve the industry’s cultural heritage, and ensure the flourishing of traditional crafts in the modern world.