Dehradun: On the occasion of National Handloom Day, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the 12th National Handloom Day programme organised by the Uttarakhand Handloom and Handicrafts Development Council at Mukhyasevak Sadan. The Chief Minister purchased traditional products made from bichhu ghas (stinging nettle fibre) to encourage local products and artisans and honoured outstanding weavers and handicraft artisans.
Dhami said Uttarakhand’s weavers and artisans are keeping the state’s rich cultural traditions alive through their art, hard work, and skills. The state’s handicrafts and handloom products reflect its culture, folk life, and traditional heritage.
He highlighted products such as Harsil woollen shawls, Thulma from Munsiyari and Dharchula, Almora tweed, Chhinka pankhi, Rangwali Pichora, Ringaal crafts, and products made from stinging nettle fibre as distinctive symbols of Uttarakhand. Demand for these traditional products is increasing both in India and international markets.
The Chief Minister said the spirit of “Vocal for Local” and “Local to Global” is being continuously strengthened under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Efforts are being made to provide weavers and artisans with access to global markets through better branding and marketing of Uttarakhand’s traditional products.
278 Weavers and Artisans Receive Financial Support
The Chief Minister said that under the Chief Minister’s Self-Employment Scheme, 278 weavers and artisans have so far received loans worth more than ₹40 million (₹4 crore) and subsidies exceeding ₹10 million (₹1 crore). These initiatives have generated employment for approximately 834 people.
He said modern machinery, design training, common facility centres, and marketing support are being provided through the National Handloom Development Programme and the Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme.
Work is also underway to train weavers belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities and help them become self-reliant. Senior artisans are being provided financial security through the Artisan Pension Scheme, while outstanding craftsmen are being recognised through various awards.
The Chief Minister said Uttarakhand’s products are being taken to domestic and international markets through e-commerce platforms, fairs, and exhibitions. Geographical Indication (GI) certification received by several traditional products has also strengthened the state’s brand identity.
Appeal to Buy Local Products
Dhami appealed to the people of Uttarakhand to give priority to local and indigenous products. He said purchasing a handloom or handicraft product is not merely a transaction; it also supports the livelihood of a weaver’s family, respects the dignity of artisans, and helps preserve the state’s cultural heritage.
Cabinet Minister Bharat Chaudhary, MLA Savita Kapoor, Secretary Vinay Shankar Pandey, and a large number of weavers, artisans, entrepreneurs, and women craftsmen were present.
