New Delhi, 11 Dec (KNN) The Ministry of Textiles, Office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms is implementing the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) and the Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS) for development of handlooms and welfare of handloom weavers across the country. 

Under the above schemes, financial assistance is provided to the eligible handloom agencies/weavers for raw materials, Common infrastructure development, marketing of handloom products in domestic/overseas markets, loans at concessional rates, etc., said the press release. 

The schemes aim at increasing productivity by providing improved looms & accessories to the handloom weavers at 90 per cent subsidized rates, skill upgradation through training programmes, design innovation & product diversification by engaging designers, production of varieties of handloom products, including traditional & contemporary for domestic as well as overseas markets. 

Through this the Ministry promotes export of handloom products through organisation/participation in international fairs/exhibitions, Buyer-Seller Meet, Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet etc. 

By registering traditional handloom products under Geographical Indication (GI) Act, 1999 they are also extensively promoted. 

So far, 72 handloom products and 06 product logos are registered under GI Act. Banaras Brocade and Saree and Champa Silk Saree and fabrics (made of kosa) have been registered under the GI Act to protect them from imitation or their unauthorized use by others. 

Further, the ‘India Handloom’ Brand (IHB) was launched for branding and promotion of high quality, niche handloom products with zero defects and zero effect on environment. 1714 registrations have been issued as on 31.10.2021. In order to promote e-marketing of handloom products including IHB products, 23 e-commerce entities have been engaged. 

As per the 4th All India Handloom Census 2019-20, there are 35.22 lakh handloom workers across the country. The benefits of the above schemes are available for all the eligible handloom agencies/organisations/handloom workers etc. of the country.