The Rajasthan State Handloom Development Corporation (RSHDC) has helped upgrade the design and development skills of the cotton handloom textile sector, writes Elets News Network (ENN).
Rajasthan State Handloom Development Corporation (RSHDC)
Rajasthan State Handloom Development Corporation (RSHDC) was constituted way back in 1984 to promote the cotton handloom textile sector. It plays a pivotal role in skill upgradation, design & development and market facilitation for traditional weavers and artisans of the state in modern techniques related to textile and handloom manufacturing.
The primary activities, where RSHDC is involved, includes design and arranging development workshops, technical improvement programmes, participation in fairs and exports, marketing and publicity and PR campaigns, buying directly from weavers to encourage trade and selling handloom textiles.
The RSHDC is into apparel manufacturing as well as wholesale of apparel, piece goods, and notions merchant wholesalers. It is engaged in providing and exporting khadi, handloom accessories, and other fabrics. Apart from five branches in Jaipur itself, RSHDC has its presence in Udaipur and other areas across the State.
The RSHDC has been granted permission by the Union Ministry of Textiles to set up retail stores for selling of India Handloom Brand (IHB) products across the India. Training material for retail staff in all these outlets is to be provided by RSHDC. They encourage using fast and safe colors, use of natural fibers, usage of skin-friendly dyes and zero defect products. Consumers are discouraged from asking for discounts on these products.
The RFC in collaboration with the RHDC has worked out a scheme under which financial assistance has been extended to 10,000 weavers, most of whom belong to Scheduled Caste. Under this scheme, financial assistance is released in favour of the RSHDC on behalf of assisted weavers for procurement of yarn and supply to weavers on a regular basis round the year. The products made by the weavers are lifted by the RHDC after payment of wages and a share under the scheme.
The backward and forward linkages are established and enable the weavers to remain employed round the year. The recovery of RFC’s dues shall also be regularly made by the RSHDC from the sale proceeds of the products made by the weavers. Handloom products which are no longer competitive are often phased out and greater attention given to commercially viable products meant both for the domestic and foreign markets. An intensive HRD Programme will be taken up by Rajasthan Handloom Development Corporation and the Rajasthan Rajya Bunkar Sangh. Efforts will be made to ensure easy access to adequate credit for weavers. Availability of yarn of requisite counts at reasonable and stable prices will be facilitated. A mechanism has been evolved to disseminate information on design and technical developments on a continuing basis. Comprehensive marketing support and availability of welfare measures for all handloom workers would be ensured. A systematic effort will be made to ensure that benefits of various schemes reach the weavers in an integrated manner.
Also Read: Easing Business Setup in Rajasthan
The Rajasthan Handloom Development Corporation (RHDC) and the Rajasthan Rajya Bunkar Sangh are weak and unable to play their role effectively. Hence, the State Government supports measures to revitalise both of them. Given the current status of this sector and the financial status of weavers, the State Government provides Sales Tax exemption on handlooms and accessories purchased by weavers.