What is it that makes people call Bhagalpur the Silk City of India? What are the initiatives taken by Government of India for the growth of this cluster?

Introduction

Bhagalpur Handloom Cluster holds a vital position in the hearts of silk-lovers. It is known as one of the important producers of quality Silk. Bhagalpur cluster is famous for its silk-based dress materials, saree, scarves, stoles, and home furnishings, etc. It involves the process of sericulture, making yarn and weaving into different patterns. The silk produced in this cluster has unique designs, patterns and has a distinct identity among the rest.

The Handloom industry in Bhagalpur makes around 2 million meters of silk per annum. The turnover of Bhagalpur is around 100 crores, annually. The cluster is divided among seven villages. They are Champa Nagar, Purani, Hussainabad, Aliganj, Kharik Bazaar, Nathnagar, and Ambabaug. The geographical climate here is apt for rearing Tassar cocoon and the reared Silk is known as Tassar Silk. The specialties of Silk are Tassar, Muga, Katia, Ghiccha, Mulberry, and Eri silks. Katia and Ghiccha are the varieties of Tassar Silk that has a rough touch.

Cluster Initiatives for welfare and growth

The Bhagalpur cluster is engaged in diverse activities like:

  • To lift the income and uplifting the standard of living of weavers
  • Planned activities to be performed in the cluster
  • Forming an effervescent web existence
  • Creating a strong marketing consortium and workshop for training
  • Encouraging and developing new products
  • Introducing New wage schemes to energize the weavers
  • Provide raw materials at subsidized rates to the weavers
  • Promoting and advertising cluster in order to make a global presence


Highlights of Cluster Intervention Scheme


Various schemes are initiated under Cluster Development Program by Government of India in order to enhance the growth of the cluster.


  • Advancement of the training Institutes
  • Upgradation and modernization of looms
  • Revitalization of plant and mills
  • Developing various handloom parks for creating a platform
  • Bank for raw-materials at subsidized rates
  • Setting up of dyeing houses and common Facility Centre (CFC)
  • Innovations in design and development in other products
  • Self Help group and formation of other federations
  • Involving professional agencies for project development and implementations

Significant facts and figures


Under the cluster development scheme new looms like dobby and jacquard are supplied to the weavers co-operative societies on 100% grant. A handsome amount of `47 Lakhs has already been utilized in this scheme aiming for 470 recipients.


There are a total of around 40, 000 weavers working for their living in the State of Bihar in Co-operative sectors. Only 366 co-operative societies are operational in the state out of the total of 1089.


The production of Tassar silk in the cluster is around 200 M.T per annum and 50% of the fabric is sold abroad by the exporters in Bhagalpur, Kolkata, New Delhi and Mumbai. The remaining 50% fabric is transformed into Sarees and dress materials.


Bhagalpur cluster is contributing around `100 crores worth trade yearly. The ratio of the turnover is accounted to be 50 % from domestic market and outstanding 50 % from export market.


Conclusion

Under the cluster intervention Scheme weavers have the liberty to vend their items straight in the marketplace without any involvement of middlemen. The development of the cluster is constantly examined and various kinds of support and help are provided to the weavers for accelerating the socio-economic progress of the cluster. Government endeavors hard to focus on the most demanding industry and develop it to the extent where this spine of the economy is self sufficient and can satisfy the weavers and craftsmen and all those are working hard day and night for its growth. The scheme definitely intends to set Bhagalpur handloom cluster of India in the limelight and help the overall sector to soar up to newer heights.


Reference


http://www.indianhandloomscluster-dchl.net/