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Press Release

Upskill the weavers and attach the Handloom sector with tourism - Smriti Irani

Oct 08, 2018


Facebook announces "Training in digital skills to 70000 artisans & weavers in 100 handloom clusters"

 

NEW DELHI, 8 October 2018: Ms Smriti Irani, Minster of Textiles, Government of India today said that India's handloom sector has huge potential and to improve the livelihood of the weavers, it is imperative that this sector should be attached with the tourism sector.


Speaking at the inaugural session of 'Hathkargha 2018', the two-day Handloom Buyer Seller Business Meet organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), Ms Irani highlighted the need for youngsters to enter this sector and improve their income. �If one person weaves, there is another person of the same family who can give the history. There can be homestay which can also be propagated.�


The Minister further added that the importance of developing the handloom sector lies in the overall development and training. It is important that the weavers are linked with the technological advancements and timely upskilling is the need of the hour. There is a need to digitally connect the weavers with consumers so that the direct connect helps in improving the business prospects.


Ms Ankhi Das, Director of Public Policy for Facebook in India and South & Central Asia said, "We are very happy to announce that Facebook will empower 70,000 artisans and weavers across 100 handloom clusters over the next one year across India. The weavers will receive training in digital skills to enable them to access local and international buyers through the online economy. We believe that digital empowerment will help the handloom industry and enable local artisans to break into the modern online economy with their timeless craft".

 

She added that since 2015, Facebook has built several programs to boost small and medium businesses in India and empower them with the latest tools and technologies. We have trained 22,000 weavers across five states in India. These skills have helped artisans enhance their capabilities to grow their businesses online.


The business meet showcases the Indian Handloom products and is promoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's national message of �Make in India� and vision of 'India Handloom Brand' (IHB). The Handloom designers, manufacturers, weavers, Self-help groups, exporters who are exhibiting their products at the Constitution Club of India on 9th & 10th October, shall be meeting International & Domestic buyers, Buying Agents, Retailers of handloom products. The diverse exhibitors are from states of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Assam, West Bengal & Manipur.

 

A wide range of products like Handloom Sarees, Suits, Kurtas, Shawls, Skirts, Lehanga Choli, Dhotis, Sherwanis, Kurta Pyjama, Jackets, Slippers, Bed Linens, Bags, Purses, Carpets, Mats are on display. The buyers of the products are coming from United Arab Emirates, Russia, Italy, South Africa, Nigeria, Estonia, France, USA and various states of India. Buying Agents Association members, representing International Buyers from various other countries, are also participating.

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