Women of Himachal Pradesh Craft a Bright Future Through Handloom Ventures
Click to start listening
Shimla, Jan 7 (NationPress) A handloom venture led by women from Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh is shining as a symbol of hope for numerous villagers. This remarkable initiative has generated considerable conversation in the area, inspiring many to follow suit.
Hiramani, a housewife from Thamlah village, utilizes her spare time after completing household tasks to work on ‘khaddi’. Transforming this pastime into a skill not only enhanced her own life but also motivated several others to pursue self-reliance.
The government has actively supported these women through this initiative. Under the current scheme, women from the Syanj area are crafting success stories and weaving their aspirations for a prosperous future.
Speaking with IANS, Hiramani mentioned that she has been engaged in ‘khaddi’ work at home for nearly two decades. After a meeting with officials from the Himachal Pradesh Handicrafts and Handloom Corporation, she decided to expand her operations. To this end, she rented a shop in Syanj Bazaar and commenced her work.
She was appointed as a master trainer by GAM and has trained eight local women in handloom production. In return, she earns a monthly salary of Rs 7,500, while each trainee woman receives Rs 2,400 per month.
Currently, she and her team produce Kinnauri and Kullu-style shawls and mufflers, generating an income of approximately Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 monthly.
Hiramani expressed her appreciation to the state government for implementing effective schemes aimed at empowering women and promoting handloom enterprises.
Bhupendra Kumari from Syanj village, who comes from a disadvantaged background, also began working with ‘khaddi’ after drawing inspiration from Hiramani.
She completed her education in 2023 and subsequently began working as a carpenter while remaining at home. Today, she is crafting shawls and mufflers, earning around Rs 10,000 per month.
Neelam, another local from Syanj village, ventured into handloom work and achieved success. She left her studies to pursue ‘khaddi’ as a hobby. In August 2023, she attended a training program, receiving a kit and a monthly incentive of Rs 2,400. She now produces shawls and mufflers, earning an additional income of Rs 8,000 to 10,000 each month.
Akshay Singh, the district market in-charge and assistant manager at the Machal Pradesh Handicrafts and Handloom Corporation, informed IANS that the state government has organized numerous short-term training programs to promote the handloom sector.
Recently, more than 90 individuals received year-long training in handloom weaving in Mandi district, with over Rs 30 lakh allocated to the initiative.
