The Rich culture of India
India’s
vintage culture and traditions present unique crafts opportunities in the world for their variety, and their
skills, for the beauty of their products. Also, the vivid arts and
crafts culture provides another source of income for millions of fellow
citizens.
However,
the income levels are varied and not sustainable, but according to some reports, employees are more than 200 million people in India. With such a large number of
livelihoods depending on various forms of arts and crafts, there is an utter
need for the government to take steps to promote our cultural industry. Most
importantly, we as a society need to be open to acceptance and feel proud for
our great cultural and traditional history.
Potential of Handicraft industry in India
India is home to more than 3,000 craft forms with artisans, spread across the country. From papier-mâché in Jammu and Kashmir, thangka painting in Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, phulkari and bagh textiles in Punjab, brassware in Haryana, basket-weaving in Uttaranchal, chikankari and zardozi work in Uttar Pradesh.
Also, from blue
pottery and block printing in Rajasthan, ajrak and
kite making in Gujarat, gond painting in Madhya Pradesh,
terracotta products and warli art in Maharashtra,
crochet and lacework in Goa, sandalwood carving and banjara embroidery
in Karnataka. The beauty of vallam boat making in
Kerala, thanjuvar kalamkari in Tamil Nadu, telia
rumal and kondapalli toys in Andhra Pradesh, ikat work
in Telangana, cane baskets in Nagaland, sikki grass products in Odisha.
Going East we see dhokra work in Jharkhand, Kantha, and patachitra crafts in West Bengal, Madhubani paintings and mulberry silk products in Bihar, choktse tables in Sikkim, eri silk products in Assam and bamboo products in Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Meghalaya.
The Handicraft
industry in India is quite
lucrative as it deals in more significant numbers. Apart from being
quite innovative, one only requires a lower investment as handicrafts are
generally made by hand. Certain items might require the use of machinery,
though they are not expensive to purchase.
What are some of the Government Initiative to promote handicraft industry in India?
Over
the last few years, the Handicraft and Handloom industry has seen some signs of
growth. Also, there have been some great efforts from the Indian Government in
reviving the industry. Here are few initiatives are taken by the Indian Government to revive
the handicraft industry. All these schemes fall under the government’s National
Handicraft National Program:
· Mega Culture Scheme –
It is one of the most economic welfare schemes launched by the Indian government in the field of arts and crafts. The main goal of this scheme is to generate employment for the needy and improve the standard of living of the artisans across India. Under this scheme, clusters are marked and identified by the Handicrafts Mega Cluster Mission (HMCM).
· Marketing Support and Services Scheme –
Another important scheme by the Indian government for
improving the financial conditions of the Artisans. This scheme provides funds
for organizing and participating in trade fairs and exhibitions across the
country and abroad. As the name suggests, it also helps in promoting and creating awareness about the
handicraft industry among the general public. Another key component of this
scheme is using modern equipment for improving the quality and reach of
promotion.
· Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana –
Then initiative was launched to facilitate artisans with the latest infrastructure, technology and to improve the human resource development needs. The program aims to empower these communities with design and technology upgrades, training and design workshops to impart commercial market intelligence, introduce new techniques and develop prototypes to suit the preferences of contemporary markets.
Why should the government promote the handicraft?
A vast country like India, which has such a diverse culture and tons of Handicraft
opportunities don’t need any reason to not promote it. Also, this sector has the potential to become a multi-billion-dollar industry.
Let us see some
of the data which indicates its rise in the Indian economy. The handicraft exports
from India reached Rs. 25,706.3 crore (US$ 3.5 billion) in 2019–20.
Exports of various handicrafts segments are listed below:
- Wood wares at Rs. 3,061
crores (US$ 420.45 million)
- Embroidered &
crocheted goods at Rs. 2,334 crores (US$ 320.51 million)
- Miscellaneous handicrafts at Rs. 3,770 crores (US$ 517.68 million)
- Handprinted textiles and scarves at Rs. 1,128 crores (US$ 154.96 million)
- Imitation jewelry at Rs.
6,850 crores (US$ 94.08 million)
- Art metal wares at Rs.
1,824 crores (US$ 250.52 million)
Apart from economic prospects, it also allows India to boost its culture spread across the world, helps people connect traditionally and promotes peace and drives creativity.
Conclusion
· State government should show more enthusiasm in promoting local handicraft products.
· Cultural corridors need to be developed for potential export markets.
· Logistics should be given primary attention to make the transportation cost feasible.
· Better incentives must be provided from the Government for improving the living standard of artisans.
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