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Transform a traditional skill-based handloom cluster into a digitally integrated community, empowering weavers for socio-economic prosperity.

 

Today in India, there are more than 2,000 traditional skill-based clusters ranging from textile designing to handicrafts industries, out of which 470 are handloom clusters. These are not just an important part of India’s cultural identity but a crucial means of sustenance for numerous communities. Owing to the highly unorganized nature of the industry, coupled with inadequate working capital and dissociation from modern technology, livelihood sustenance of the weaver community remains vulnerable.  Digital literacy and attendant skills like digital design can empower the weaver community and has the potential to create sustainable livelihood options.

 

Mphasis, in partnership with Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), has initiated a project that primarily involves inclusive and decentralized use of ICT and other digital tools. The project is based in the town of Musiri, Trichy district in Tamil Nadu and aims to transform the lives of artisans and the weavers’ community in the area by training them on new age digital design techniques, reducing information asymmetries, fostering entrepreneurship and establishing direct market linkages.

 

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Model

  • Training on digital literacy and digital design
  • Digital services at subsidized rates
  • SHGs to foster entrepreneurship
  • E-commerce portal for direct market linkages
  • Impact

    At least 80% increase in earnings for 1,500 weaver families through digital technologies between 2015 and 2017.

    Program Partner

    Digital Empowerment Foundation

    Location

    Tamil Nadu, India

    Testimonial

    The programme would go a long way in helping the weavers get higher income through diversification of their product. There was a growing demand for handloom goods with attractive designs. It would also help bring down exploitation of weavers by master-weavers or other private agencies."

    - Visesh Nautiyal, Director, South Zone, Union Ministry of Textiles.