National Handloom Day (Governance)
National Handloom Day (Governance)
Why In News:
National Handloom Day was observed on 7 August, with the President presenting the National Handloom Awards to recognise weavers and artisans.
Source: PIB Release, 6 August 2026; The Hindu, Page 8, 7 August 2026 - 'Handloom - weaving India's heritage into global growth'
National Handloom Day
When observed: Annually on 7 August, since 2015.
Significance of the date: Commemorates the launch of the Swadeshi Movement on 7 August 1905, which protested the Partition of Bengal and promoted indigenous industries.
Objective: Honour weavers and artisans, promote the handloom sector and raise awareness of its socio-economic contribution.
Employment significance: The handloom sector is the second-largest employment provider in rural India after agriculture.
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Textiles, which runs schemes such as the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) and the Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme.
Government Initiatives for Handloom Sector
National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP): Provides financial assistance, marketing support, and incentives to handloom clusters, including plans to develop mega clusters.
Market Access Initiative (MAI): Aims to boost exports by offering market research, global promotion, and support to small industries.
Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS): Ensures availability of subsidised yarn, improves dyeing infrastructure, and provides freight reimbursement and price support to weavers, valid up to 2025–26.
Key Facts for Prelims
GI tags: Many handloom products carry Geographical Indication tags, such as Banarasi sarees, Pochampally Ikat and Chanderi fabric.
Quality certification: The Handloom Mark and India Handloom Brand are quality certification initiatives of the Ministry of Textiles.
The Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) is a not-for-profit agency under the Ministry of Textiles that aims to boost exports of handloom products such as fabrics, home furnishings, and carpets.