Delhi Cabinet Approves Skill Development Scheme for Khadi, Handloom Artisans

Delhi Cabinet approves skill development scheme for artisans in khadi, handloom, cottage industries.

Photo by Shashank Hudkar

The Delhi Cabinet has approved the Chief Minister Skill Development Scheme aimed at supporting artisans linked to khadi, handloom, cottage industries, and the unorganised sector. The scheme seeks to equip artisans with modern skills and market access. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said Delhi's artisans need updated training and digital exposure. The CM also launched development works worth ₹85 crore under the SC/ST Improvement Scheme.

Key Facts

The Delhi Cabinet approved the Chief Minister Skill Development Scheme.

The scheme targets artisans linked to khadi, handloom, and cottage industries.

The scheme aims to equip artisans with modern skills and market access.

The Chief Minister emphasized the need for updated training and digital exposure for artisans.

Development works worth ₹85 crore were launched under the SC/ST Improvement Scheme.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

GS Paper 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment

Focus on skill development, economic empowerment, and traditional industries

Visual Insights

Key Statistics from Delhi Skill Development Scheme

Highlights key financial and developmental aspects of the scheme for Khadi, Handloom artisans, and SC/ST communities.

Development works under SC/ST Improvement Scheme: ₹85 crore

More Information

Background

The promotion of khadi and handloom has been a part of India's economic and social policy since the time of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi saw khadi as a symbol of self-reliance and a tool for economic empowerment of rural communities. The emphasis was on local production and consumption, reducing dependence on foreign goods. This philosophy became deeply embedded in the freedom movement and later influenced government policies after independence. Over the decades, the government has launched various initiatives to support the khadi and handloom sector. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), established in 1956, plays a crucial role in promoting and developing these industries. KVIC provides financial assistance, training, and marketing support to artisans. The sector has faced challenges from cheaper machine-made textiles and changing consumer preferences. Despite these challenges, the government continues to emphasize the importance of preserving this traditional sector for its cultural and economic significance. Several government schemes aim to boost the khadi and handloom sector. These include the Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY), which incentivizes employers to generate employment. Additionally, initiatives like the Skill India Mission focus on providing training and skill development to artisans, enabling them to adapt to modern techniques and market demands. These schemes are designed to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the khadi and handloom industries.

Latest Developments

The khadi and handloom sector is undergoing a transformation with the adoption of new technologies and marketing strategies. E-commerce platforms are being used to reach a wider customer base, and artisans are being trained to use digital tools for design and sales. The government is also focusing on branding and quality certification to enhance the appeal of khadi and handloom products. This includes initiatives to promote sustainable and eco-friendly production practices. There is an ongoing debate about the role of technology in preserving the traditional character of khadi and handloom. Some argue that technology can help improve efficiency and reach new markets, while others worry about the potential loss of traditional skills and craftsmanship. Institutions like NITI Aayog are exploring ways to balance technological advancements with the preservation of cultural heritage. The focus is on creating a sustainable ecosystem that supports both economic growth and cultural preservation. Looking ahead, the khadi and handloom sector is expected to play a significant role in promoting sustainable livelihoods and rural development. The government has set targets for increasing production and sales, and there is a growing emphasis on promoting khadi and handloom products in international markets. The success of these efforts will depend on effective collaboration between government agencies, artisans, and the private sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the primary goal of the Chief Minister Skill Development Scheme recently approved by the Delhi Cabinet?

The scheme aims to equip artisans linked to khadi, handloom, and cottage industries with modern skills and provide them with better market access.

2. For UPSC Prelims, what sectors are specifically targeted by the Delhi government's skill development scheme?

The scheme focuses on artisans involved in khadi, handloom, and cottage industries, as well as those in the unorganised sector.

3. What is the historical background and significance of promoting Khadi and Handloom industries in India?

The promotion of khadi and handloom has been a part of India's economic and social policy since Mahatma Gandhi's time. Gandhi saw khadi as a symbol of self-reliance and a tool for economic empowerment of rural communities, emphasizing local production and consumption.

4. How might the Chief Minister Skill Development Scheme impact common citizens in Delhi?

By enhancing the skills of artisans, the scheme can lead to higher quality products, increased income for artisans, and preservation of traditional crafts. This can also boost local economies and promote cultural heritage.

5. What are the recent developments in the Khadi and Handloom sector that make this skill development scheme timely?

The khadi and handloom sector is adopting new technologies and marketing strategies, including e-commerce platforms and digital tools for design and sales. The government is also focusing on branding and quality certification to enhance the appeal of khadi and handloom products.

6. What are the key components of the SC/ST Improvement Scheme mentioned alongside the skill development initiative?

Development works worth ₹85 crore have been launched under the SC/ST Improvement Scheme. The specific details of these development works are not provided in the available information.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC): 1. KVIC was established by an Act of Parliament in 1956. 2. KVIC's primary objective is to promote and develop khadi and village industries in rural areas. 3. KVIC only provides financial assistance to khadi artisans and not to village industries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) was indeed established by an Act of Parliament in 1956 to promote khadi and village industries. Statement 2 is CORRECT: KVIC's main goal is to boost and grow khadi and village industries, especially in rural areas, to create jobs and economic opportunities. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: KVIC offers financial help to BOTH khadi artisans and village industries, not just khadi artisans.

2. Which of the following initiatives is/are aimed at providing skill development and training to artisans in the khadi and handloom sector? 1. Skill India Mission 2. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 3. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 2 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Skill India Mission aims to provide skill development and training across various sectors, including the khadi and handloom sector. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is a flagship scheme under the Skill India Mission, focusing on providing vocational training and skill development to youth, including artisans in the khadi and handloom sector. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: MGNREGA focuses on providing wage employment in rural areas and does not directly focus on skill development for artisans in the khadi and handloom sector.

3. In the context of supporting artisans in the unorganized sector, consider the following statements: 1. The Chief Minister Skill Development Scheme, as approved by the Delhi Cabinet, aims to equip artisans with modern skills and market access. 2. The scheme is exclusively for artisans linked to the organized sector. 3. The Delhi Cabinet also launched development works worth ₹85 crore under the SC/ST Improvement Scheme. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Chief Minister Skill Development Scheme aims to provide artisans with modern skills and market access. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The scheme is for artisans linked to the UNORGANIZED sector, not the organized sector. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The Delhi Cabinet launched development works worth ₹85 crore under the SC/ST Improvement Scheme.