Export Promotion Scheme:

• To identify and assist suitable Apex/Primary Handloom Co-op. Societies and Corporation in developing the products that are Export - worthy.
• Market penetration through participation in International Exhibitions, and Buyer-Seller Meets.
• Export project, International Fairs and Exhibitions, Setting up of Design Studios, and Promotional Events. These components are under Export Promotion Scheme.

5. Diversified Handloom Development Scheme

• This scheme provides Technological up-gradation through a variety of programmes which cover skill up-gradation of weavers, Development of Designs and Product Development.
• Strengthening of

A.      Weavers Service Centre, (WSC).

B.      Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHTs).

C.      National Centre for Textile Designs (NCTD).

• Research and Development.
• Jammu & Kashmir Wool project and Weavers Service Centre.
• Setting up of New IIHTs.
• Starting Handloom Census and issuing Identify Cards to Handloom Weavers.

To check effectiveness of these schemes Fibre2fashion exclusively spoke with Mr. Ramachandrappa. T. N. - Cluster Development Executive -IHCDP, GADAG. As per him "The schemes of DC (H) in the 11th plan are really beneficial to handloom weavers. As per our 2 years experience in handling the scheme of Integrated Handloom Development Programme scheme, as a Cluster Development Executive, it is useful to handloom weavers coming under Corporate Body, Cooperative Societies, Master Weavers, Self-Help Group & also individual weavers as follows:

1. By issue of handloom accessories directly to weavers on subsedised rates, the quality of the product & productivity improved and also increased the wage earnings to the extent of 5%.
2. By depositing of Corpus Fund with NHDC, the Raw Material Depot is functioning and the weavers are getting the good quality of yarn on mill-gate price.
3. Under the Product Development Activity, developing new designs as per market trend and after diversifying new designs, the weavers are getting more earnings, and also creating brand image.
4. Establishment of Common Facility Centre:  The weavers of the cluster area will get the benefit of common facility centre, where testing lab, R & D section, Dye House are functioning.
5. Under the Marketing Activity, awareness of national level market trend, creating the brand image of the products produced by the weavers of cluster, by which weavers will get continuous weaving work with higher margin.

In addition to the above, we have implemented such type of other activities related to development of handloom weavers in our cluster."

He also shares the steps taken to educate the weavers about welfare schemes "By conducting the awareness workshop to the weavers and cluster actors, and conducting baseline survey in detail, preparing the action plan on the basis of baseline survey, the scheme is implemented."

Reference:

www.handlooms.nic.in