1.

Brief Overview of the Sector

The Handloom Sector is one of the largest unorganized economic activities after agriculture and constitutes an
integral part of the rural and semi-rural livelihood. Handloom weaving constitutes one of the richest and most
vibrant aspects of the Indian cultural heritage. The sector has an advantage of being less capital intensive, minimal
use of power, eco-friendly and flexibility of small production, openness to innovations and adaptability to market
requirements. It is a natural productive asset and tradition at cottage level, which has sustained and grown by
transfer of skill from one generation to other. The sector is largely decentralized and the weavers are mainly from
the vulnerable and weaker sections of the society, who weave for their household needs and also contribute to the
production in the textile sector. The weavers of this industry are keeping alive the traditional craft of different
States. Handloom sector can meet every need ranging from the exquisite fabrics, which takes months to weave, to
popular items of mass production for daily use. The total export of handicrafts from India is expected to grow by 10
per cent to US$ 3.5 billion in FY 2016-17
The Handicrafts sector also constitute an important segment of the decentralized / unorganized sector of our
economy. It is mainly a rural based sector which has its reach in backward and in-accessible areas. Originally,
handicraft started as a part time activity in the rural areas, however it has now transformed into a flourishing
economic activity due to significant market demand over the years. Handicrafts have big potential as they hold the
key for sustaining not only the existing set of millions of artisans, but also for increasingly large number of new
entrants in the crafts activity. It is estimated that over 70 lakh people are earning their livelihood from production
of handicrafts and related activities. Each geographic region and sub region has its individual style and tradition
which the artisans, down the centuries, have developed their own style often unique methods and techniques to
bring life into stone, metal, sandalwood and clay.

2. Key Credentials of the state in the Sector

As per 3rd Handlooms Census, carried out in 2009-10, more than 43 lakh people are engaged in weaving and
allied activities which was 65.5 lakh as per 2nd handloom census conducted during 1995-96.
The state of Uttarakhand has wide-ranging Handicraft and handloom industry with some unique features. The state
apex body of Uttarakhand Handloom and Handicraft Development Council (UHHDC) is responsible for promotion
of the sector. The state aims to develop specific specializations, which will help in better commercialization. It tries
to embed the states Kumaoni and Garhwali culture by promoting artwork like Aipan-Folk Art, Ringaal Handicrafts,
Rambaans handicraft, Copperwares, Woollen craft, Wax Work and Wooden crafts.
To promote the Handloom and Handicraft in the state, UHHDC has launched its own brand called, Himdari, which
operates showroom to sell these products across the state and participates in various National and International
Expos and trade fairs to sell products of the state. Also, UHHDC has tied up with snapdeal.com to sell its product
online throughout the country.
 Identified Blocks and Crafts
S. No. Name of Crafts Block District
1 Aipan, Copperwere, Natural Fiber. Hawalbagh Almora
2 Copperware, Handbag. Bageshwar Bageshwar
Embroidery, Artificial, Jewelry, Jute work &
3 Sahaspur Bageshwar
Carpet.

4 Carpet, Wooden Work, Nettle Fiber, Crochet Karnprayag Chamoli

5 Ringal, Wooden Work, Carpet weaving Joshimath Chamoli

Pottery. Zari work. Survey Instrument, Zari
6 Roorkee Haridwar
Mala
7 Block Printing, Carpet, Bamboo. Haldwani Nainital
8 Carpet weaving Dharchula Pithoragarh
9 Carpet & Ringal Munsyari Pithoragarh
10 Ringal, Wooden. Ukhimath Rudraprayag

11 Ringal Bhilangana Tehri Garhwal

Moonj Grass, Bamboo, Natural Fiber based

12 Khatima Udhamsingh Nagar
products

13 Block Printing & Carpet weaving. Jaspur Udhamsingh Nagar

14 Ringal, Shawls, Carpet, Wood Work Dunda Uttarakashi

Carpet, Wooden work, Namda, Ringal &
15 Bhatwari Uttarakashi
Crochet

Handloom Census (As on 31 may 2017)

Parameters All India Uttarakhand
Number of Handloom 23,77,331 3,766
Number of Handloom Weavers / Workers 43,31,876 15,468

Number of Handicraft Establishments by Nature of Operation and Sector

Rural Total
Perennial Seasonal Casual Total Perennial Seasonal Casual Total
5,099 921 225 6,245 8,062 1,057 279 9398

Total artisans and bunkers registered with UHHDC

Total looms working in state (handloom and power loom) rural.urban
Total exports and countries of export in last 2 years india and uttarakhand
Indian buyers and revenue generated

3. Comparative Advantage of the state in the Handloom and handicraft sector

Uttarakhand Government has set up Uttarakhand Handloom and Handicraft Development Council (UHHDC), which
acts as a facilitator to motivate guide and organise artisans and provide common platform for direct interaction
between creators, connoisseurs, producers and buyers. It acts as apex body for development and promotion of
Handloom and Handicraft in the state.
The Uttarakhand has a rich heritage of arts and crafts. It specialises in production of woollen handloom, cotton
handloom, silk product, other natural-fibre product, and many other innovative combination. A few of the
important Handloom and Handicraft product line are described below:
a. Aipan Folk: Aipa is a Kumaon folk art, commonly known as Alpana. This art has its origin in its ritualistic
practises of the Kumaonis and has been passed through generations as a part of tradition. The motifs of
Aipan are used in shawls & stoles, wall hanging, bookmarks, photo frames, coasters, tablemats, cards,
etc.
b. Ringaal: It is a species of bamboo which is found in the jungle of Himalayas. The one which grows at the
higher and colder region are called the Temperate bambos or Ringaal. It is made at Tangri, Pakhi of
Garhwal region and Ranikhet, Bageshwar of Kumaon region.
c. Rambans: The plant is found in abundance all over the hills and is generally known as Sisal or Agev. There
are around 300 species of this plant; out of which some are fibre extracted. Sislana is first natural fibre
extracted from Agev and is known as sisal fibre. After processing and treatment of the plant fibre, it gives
Rambans which are similar to jute and is used in making variety of decorative item.
d. Copper ware: Almora is well known for its copper ware and its use as old as Indian culture. Copper is
regarded sacred by people of Himalayas and is seen in the temples. It is scientifically proven that copper
container remains germs free and pure.
e. Wooden Craft: Wood work has been integral part of people of Uttarakhand, because of availability of
Timber, advantage of insulation power of wood, availability of local skilled labour, family tradition, etc.
f. Woollen Handlooms: Woollen handloom has been an age old tradition in Uttarakhand. The handlooms of
this region act as spinal cord in the Indo-Tibetan business relationship. In Chamoli district, Angora goat
rearing centre has been opened. Almora is famous for tweeds, woollen carpets and artistic woollen
shawls. Pankhi, Paagda and sceneries are few products weaved here.
g. Wax work: Initially, candles were based on religious idols but thierpopularity led to development of new
designs and thus decorative candle from Nainital have made position in market in early 70s. But after
70s many players emerged in the market
 4. Regulatory Mechanism governing the sector
Central Acts
Central Silk Board Act, 1948
The Handlooms (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act, 1985
The Jute Companies (Nationalisation) Act, 1980
Jute Packaging Material (Compulsory use) Act, 1987
Jute Manufacturers Act, 1983
Jute Manufacturers Cess Act, 1983
The Textile Committee Act, 1963
Textiles Undertakings (Taking over of Management) Act, 1983
The Textiles Undertakings (Nationalisation) Act, 1995
The British India Corporation Limited (Acquisition of Shares) Act, 1981
Sick Textile Undertakings (Taking over Management) Act, 1972
Sick Textile Undertakings (Nationalisation) Rules, 1974.
Sick Textile Undertakings (Nationalisation) Amendment Act, 1995.
National Jute Board Act, 2008
Swadeshi Cotton Mills Company Limited (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1986.
5. Policies, Incentives & Schemes in the Sector
Central Policies - Handloom
Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS)
National Handloom Development Programme
o Revival, Reform, Restructuring (RRR) Package for Handloom sector
o Comprehensive Handloom Development Scheme (CHDS)
Yarn Supply Scheme (YSS)
Handloom Weaver Comprehensive Welfare Scheme (HWCWS)
Central Policies - Handicraft
Integrated Promotion and Development of Handicraft
Ambedkar Hasthshilp Vikas Yojana
o Dastkar Shashktikaran Yojana
o Design & Technology Upgradation
o Human Resource Development
o Direct Benefit to Artisans
o Infrastructure and Technology Support
Mega Cluster
Marketing Support &Services
o Domestic Marketing Events
o Assistance for organizing/participation in marketing events abroad
Research & Development
State Incentive
Uttarakhand State Shilp Ratna Award
6. Resource profile of the state relevant to the sector ( Production Figures, Availability of
Raw Materials . etc )
 7. Details of Clusters
Sanctioned List of Handicraft Cluster in Uttarakhand under Central Region (Cr)
No.
No. of Activities Amount
S No Name of Organisation Crafts Venue of
Artisan Sanctioned Sanctioned
SHG
Hand Embroidery
1 Jan Jagriti Sewa Samiti, Uttarakhand Roorkee 500 45 BSLM INR 1,50,000
& Metal Craft

BSLM INR 2,10,000

Mahila Bal Utthan Avom Kala Tehri Training INR 5,62,540
2 Woolen Fibre 700 40
Manch, Dehradun Garhwal
Design INR 4,80,000

Handloom Clusters in Uttarakhand

Number of Cluster Number of Group Amount Released (INR
Year
Project Sanctioned Approach Sanctioned in Cr)
2007-08 5 - 0.90
2008-09 1 22 1.34
2009-10 - - -
2010-11 2 22 3.06
2011-12 1 - 1.10
2012-13 - - 0.57
2013-14 - - 0.17
2014-15 - 4 0.34
2015-16 1 - 0.40
2016-17 90- - -
Total 10 48 7.88

Marketing & Export Promotion Scheme

Name of Event Amount
Year
Sanctioned (In INR Lakhs)
2007-08 1 NHE, 3 DLE 15.00
2008-09 1 NHE, 3 SHE, 8 DLE 46.00
2009-10 1 NHE, 2 SHE, 10 DLE 45.00
2010-11 1 NHE, 2 SHE, 10 DLE 43.00
2011-12 1 NHE, 2 SHE, 11 DLE 38.00
2012-13 1 NHE, 2 SHE, 11 DLE 32.02
2013-14 1 NHE, 2 SHE, 14 DLE 39.83
2014-15 1 NHE, 12 SHE, 2 DLE 37.00
2015-16 1 NHE, 8 SHE, 1DLE 22.00
2016-17 1 NHE, 4 SHE, 1DLE 25.00
Total 10 342.85

8. Departmental Contact details for the Sector

Directorate of Industries
Industrial Area, Patel Nagar
Dehradun 248001
Contact: 0135 2728227, 2728272
Email: mpr@doiuk.org, idph@gmail.com
9. Annexure
A. Full copy of Sectoral Policies with guidelines
B. Incentives
i. Process of applying for any incentive
ii. Process of Internal approvals
C. List of Leading Players in the sector

D. Historical Data
i. Investment attracted in the sector
ii. Employment Generated
Rural Urban Combined
With at With at With at
Without Without Without
least one least one least one
hired Total hired Total hired Total
hired hired hired
worker worker worker
worker worker worker
7,430 3,637 11.067 3,743 3,628 7,371 11,173 7,265 18,438

E. High Resolution photographs relevant for the sector