In an effort to revive the loss making state-run Himachal Handicraft & Handloom Corporation, the state government has begun online marketing of its products.
The company’s handicraft products are known across the country and include colourful Kullu & Kinnauri shawls, Kangra paintings, Himachali caps, Chamba rumals, wood carvings,metalware,pahari dolls and wall hangings.
“The demand for Himachali handicraft is increasing.We have got into e-commerce to make the products available to domestic and foreign customers.Online customers will get products cheaper over retail outlets,” said Industries Minister, Kishan Kapoor.
“The government is making all efforts to protect the geographical indicator (GI) status of the Kallu shawls.
“To enforce the GI status of Kullu shawls, a society has been constituted which will rope in weavers’ societies in the Kullu valley and ask them to follow the norms required,” he said.
“No power loom product from outside the state will be allowed to sell under the Kullu shawl brand,” he said.
The Himachal Handicrafts & Handloom Corporation operates 15 outlets within the state, besides one each in Delhi and Bangalore.
Around 30 exhibitions of our products have been organised in the last fiscal year. Sales worth of Rs 83 lakh took place as compared to Rs 44 lakh the previous year.
In the last fiscal year the corporation recorded a Rs 10 crore revenue.The company has an accumulated debt burden of Rs 17 crore.
