Panabaka assures measures to enhance handloom sector’s productivity

Hyderabad, April 11 : Union Minister of State for Textiles Panabaka Lakshmi on Thursday said that concerted efforts were being made through the schemes and programs to enhance production, productivity, and efficiency of the handloom sector and enhance the income and socio-economic status of the weavers. The Government also provides loan to the handloom weavers at concessional rates, she said.

Panabaka Lakshmi was addressing a session on “Boosting Market Linkages in the Handloom Sector” organised by the Hyderabad Chapter of the ASSOCHAM Ladies League (ALL), the women’s wing of ASSOCHAM which has ace women entrepreneurs as members.

The Minister said that the Handloom industry constitutes 30 per cent of the total export business and this figure could be and must be much higher. She said, “This sector is the country’s second largest employment provider after agriculture and generates employment to more than 65 lakh people. Yet, prosperity and growth needs to reach to weavers and artisans. This can be done by bringing entrepreneurs and industry into the equation. Time has come when we need global market development and extensive industry linkages.”

Well-known youth leader Alka Lamba said, “The element of hand work and unique craft in Indian handlooms make it rightly poised for the upper luxury segments of market and India is richer in this legacy compared to other countries.” Ravita Mayor, Committee Chairperson, Textile & Design, Hyderabad Chapter, ALL, said, “Young designers should promote handlooms in mission-mode and celebrities should come forward to endorse it as brand ambassadors.”

Suman Gahlot, Chapter Chairperson, said “Handloom will remain a focus area for the Hyderabad Chapter of ASSOCHAM Ladies League and more allied events are being planned to push the case for market linkages for handlooms. The Taj Group supports the cause of weavers and has adopted many villages for the same”. Seema Kumar, Chapter Vice-Chairperson, Hyderabad Chapter, ALL, thanked the government dignitaries, ASSOCHAM, and the audience consisting of many elite of Hyderabad including well-known designers and textile business owners. INN