(GIST OF YOJANA) HANDLOOM PRODUCTS OF INDIA FROM LOCAL TO GLOBAL

(MAY-2024)

The handloom products are a living testimony of exemplary artisanship, showcasing the culture and civilisation of India. They are produced across various states of the country, such as Pashmina (Kashmir), Phulkari (Punjab), Chikankari (Uttar Pradesh), Muga Silk (Assam), Naga Shawls (Nagaland), Pochampally Ikkat (Telangana), Kancheepuram Saree (Tamil Nadu), Mysore Silk (Karnataka), Bandhani (Gujarat), Paithani (Maharashtra), etc. The handloom sector is ranked number two after agriculture in India as an unorganised sector providing employment to more than 3 million people,

Introduction of Handloom Mark provided the customers assurance that the concerned handloom product is authentic. Since quality of product is also an important dimension for customers apart from authenticity, the India Handloom provided a branding of handloom products that are of high quality with zero defects and zero effect on the environment. The mark aims at ensuring that exporters procure high-quality fabrics on time and establishing a unique image for authentic handwoven products from India.2 India Handloom has also been registered as a trade mark (logo shown in Figure 2) under the Trade Marks Act, 1999.

Intellectual property (IP) protection for handloom producers in India is granted through the Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999, and the Designs Act, 2000. These acts intend to provide IP protection to exported handloom products not only in India but also in foreign markets.
The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999
The Geographical Indication (GI) tag is conferred on a product that is recognised by its specific place of origin. The GI tag conveys the authenticity and source of a product and its
associated qualities. In India, the GI tag has been provided to a number of handloom products, including Pochampalli Ikat, Chanderi Sarees, Solapur Chaddar, Mysore Silk, Kacheepuram Silk, etc. The GI status of these handloom products ensures that they are not copied and produced by machines. It helps the weavers of these products overcome the price disadvantage as the machine-made products are cheaper as compared to the handwoven products.

Indian handloom products have new opportunities in spite of significant technological advancements in the production of machine-made products. In present times, a lot of the focus of buyers and sellers is on sustainable products. The new generation is style-conscious but environment-savvy and prefers products that are stylish but do not cause harm to the environment.

The handloom products from India represent tradition and modernity at the same time. The unique designs, quality, and variety of these products helped create a niche market in other countries over the years. The artisans of handwoven products have experimented with their designs and fabrics to cater to the demands of new generations. As a result, Indian handloom products are endorsed today by international models and celebrities. Therefore, it could be concluded that the handloom products of India are making significant global imprints with their local characteristics.