ENA Sectors 2025-08-13 15:16:25 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Aug 13 (KNN) </strong>A team of experts from Italian luxury brand Prada visited Maharashtras Kolhapur on Wednesday to meet local artisans and review the manufacturing process of the regions iconic flat sandals, just days after facing accusations of cultural appropriation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The visit follows a parliamentary standing committee on commerce recommending that the government take proactive steps to promote traditional Indian leather products under the Make in India initiative.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The aim, the panel said, is to secure global recognition, safeguard artisan rights, and prevent imitation by international brands, as seen in the Kolhapuri chappals controversy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Indias leather industry employs over 4.42 million people, with women accounting for 40 per cent of the workforce. The committee stressed that preserving traditional crafts could significantly strengthen livelihoods while enhancing Indias cultural footprint in global markets.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In its report, the panel called for the early finalisation and implementation of the Focus Product Scheme for Footwear &amp; Leather Sectors, announced in the Union Budget.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">It urged that the scheme support the entire value chain, including components, design, and machinery for both leather and non-leather footwear, with clear guidelines, regular reviews, and better coordination between stakeholders.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The committee also advised leveraging existing free trade agreements with Japan, Australia, the UAE, and ASEAN to boost leather exports, while prioritising new trade pacts with the European Union and other major markets.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Additionally, it highlighted the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) as a crucial tool for large-scale promotion in established markets and exploration of new destinations for Indian leather products.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Kolhapuri chappal episode has reignited calls for stronger branding and intellectual property protections to ensure that Indias artisanal heritage receives due credit and benefits in the global fashion industry.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 43160 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/parliamentary-panel-urges-boost-for-traditional-leather-products-after-kolhapuri-chappal-row 2025-08-13 15:16:25 knnindia.co.in