Promotion of Handloom Sector

The Ministry of Textiles through the Office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms had made an Action Plan for celebration of 150^th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi from July 2019 to 2^nd October 2020.  The following activities were undertaken through various Weavers’ Service Centres (WSCs) spread across the country during the said period:

• The Weavers’ Service Centres (WSCs) organized exhibitions of samples developed by them using Khadi yarn during the course of celebration of 150^th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
• Some of the WSCs set up looms for developing samples using khadi yarn.
• Some of the WSCs used vegetable &azo free dyes on khadisaree and furnishing items, which were available for live demonstration for the visitors, students, handloom weavers, for promotion of khadi.  Periodic live demonstrations were organized in handloom clusters for promoting use of natural fibreswith different techniques and pattern on handlooms.
• During the exhibitions organized by WSCs, awareness was created about the use of natural and native grown fibresfor clothing in handloom sector and creating eco-friendly environment by the use of natural dyes.
• Trainings was given to the weavers & master weavers for production of khadi fabrics/products.
• Live demonstration of vegetable dyeing was carried out during National Handloom Day and various exhibitions organized by WSCs during the celebration period.
• During international Yoga and Women’s day, samples of khadi were displayed to the participants and they were made to understand the importance and the use of handloom fabrics made from natural fibres and colours.

This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Textiles, Smt. Smriti Zubin  Irani in Rajya Sabha today.