As part of its endeavour to revitalize the handloom sector in Orissa, the Orissa government plans to come out with a full-fledged handloom policy. The draft policy is expected to be readied within a month.
"The Chief Minister had directed us to frame an independent policy for the handloom sector and we would be presenting a policy within a month. The policy will focus on raising productivity of the sector, offer marketing support and also ensure quality control”, said B K Patnaik.
Arti Ahuja, secretary (textiles & handloom) said, “The state did not have a handloom policy though we had announced packages for the weavers. The draft policy will address the long-term concerns of the sector. We have already held discussions with all the stakeholders. The policy, apart from emphasizing on raising productivity, will focus on bringing about product diversification and technology upgradation in the sector. The policy will incorporate welfare measures of the weavers and envisages setting up of common facility centres for the sector”.
Asked on handloom exports from the state, she said, “It is difficult to provide exact figure on handloom exports as there are many unorganized weavers who are also exporting. In the last international trade fair, handloom products worth Rs 6-7 crore were bought by the international buyers”.
Though the state government has examined the handloom policies of other states like Karnataka, we have framed an independent policy without engaging any consultant, she added.