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(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) Rural Crafts for Livelihood
(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) Rural Crafts for Livelihood
(May-2023)
Rural Crafts for Livelihood
Introduction
- Rigveda, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Greek historians, etc have mentioned the spinning, weaving, and high-quality cotton and silk in India.
- These materials were traded and exported to different countries in ancient times also.
- It was stated in a paper by Exim Bank (2019) that arts and crafts are a constituent of India’s creative economy.
- Craft means an occupation, trade, or activity requiring manual dexterity or artistic skills. They are not only pleasing to the eye but also have utility.
Importance of Crafts
- It is the backbone of the rural economy and provides employment to many people. It is estimated that there are approximately 200 million artisans in India.
- Once promoted adequately, they can fetch foreign exchange earnings.
- It can give a competitive global advantage.
- It preserves India’s rich culture and tradition.
Challenges
- The handicraft industry is usually an unorganized sector in India’s economy.
- Artisans are unable to gauge market dynamics. They have little knowledge to optimize social media outreach.
- There is low penetration of technology in rural areas.
- Inaccessibility of funds and poor institutional framework are other serious issues.
- Despite superior skills, wages are not in accordance with income growth in other sectors.
- According to the Fourth All India Handloom Census 2019-20, 66.3% of the weaver household earns less than Rs 5000 per month.
Interventions to Boost Handicraft Industry
- The Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles implements schemes like National Handicraft Development Programme and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme.
- Artisans are mobilized under Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana to provide direct benefits, technology and infrastructure support, marketing support, etc.
- ‘Shilp Guru’ awards and National Awards are given by the Ministry of Textiles to give recognition to legendary craftsmen for their excellence.
- TRIFED is a national apex body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Its main aim is retail marketing development of tribal handicrafts and handloom products.
- Several NGOs like Indian National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage (INTACH) work with craft clusters to develop community-based enterprise
Conclusion
- The artisan economy is all-pervasive and crucial for inclusion as it primarily comprises women and marginalized groups. Initiatives like ‘Unity Malls’ and ‘crafts village’ are required to make the handicrafts industry a big source of livelihood.
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Courtesy: Kurukshetra