Government strives to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for weavers of Seraikela
Ranchi, August 30: Chief Minister Shri Hemant Soren has been very keen on promoting handicrafts of Jharkhand and placing these products in markets across the globe.
A special stall put up by Jharcraft during the two-day investors’ meet at Delhi which concluded on Saturday shows ample evidence about the intent of the chief minister in promoting Jharcraft items in the global market.
Sharing his spirit and vision, the government has been taking multiple initiatives to promote Jharkhand’ handicrafts. In a recent development, Jharkhand started the production of Silk Sarees.
Earlier, Jharkhand used to produce only the Tasar cloth, now for the first time, the work of apparel manufacturing has started in the state. After the orders from the Chief Minister, the Jharkhand State Khadi Board has taken steps in this direction. Board’s production and training centre at Chandil has started the production of Tasar Sarees.
In terms of quality, these sarees are considered to be the best in class.
Presently, the production is in limited quantity; however, the government plans to gradually increase the production. The Board is now focusing on the production of sarees in the training and production centres of Amda and Kuchai centres in Seraikela-Kharsawan as well.
This is intended to create livelihood opportunities for the weavers of Jharkhand and a vast market presence for these sarees. In current circumstances, it is taking almost three days for the weavers to complete a saree. The design of these sarees is attractive and it is catching the eye of the people in the market. The Tasar produced in the Kuchai region of Jharkhand is considered to be the best in quality.
Sewing machines provided to women under the Shilpi Rozgar Yojana.
Apart from creating new livelihood opportunities for the weavers, the Jharkhand Khadi Board is encouraging the state’s local handloom and handicrafts industry through women empowerment. The Board has distributed sewing machines among 329 women across different districts of the state. These machines were distributed under the Shilpi Rozgar Yojana.
They were given six months of hands-on training regarding the use of sewing machines. During the training period, these women were given a stipend of Rs 150 per day. In addition to the stipend, beneficiaries were also provided with the raw materials for making lacquer bangles, Dokra art items, equipment for making paper bags etc.
Jharcraft prioritises women empowerment.
Women empowerment is one of the focus areas of the government. Through the promotion of handicraft products and distribution of sewing machines, the government envisions creating a self-sustainable system for the women of the state. For the first time in Chandil, the Board has started the production of sarees. Also, as per the vision of the Chief Minister, there are plans to further expand the project at other locations as well.
“They were given six months of hands-on training regarding the use of sewing machines. During the training period, these women were given a stipend of Rs 150 per day. In addition, beneficiaries were also provided raw materials for making lacquer bangles, dokra art items along with equipment for making paper bags,” said Jharkhand State Khadi Board CEO RK Besra.
