Gujarat’s Cottage and Rural Industries Policy 2024-29

Introduction

Gujarat, a state renowned for its vibrant handicrafts, textiles, and traditional industries, has unveiled the Cottage and Rural Industries Policy 2024-29. This ambitious initiative aims to transform the state’s cottage and rural industries by modernizing infrastructure, supporting artisans, and expanding market access. By focusing on innovation, skill development, and promoting unique local products, the policy envisions a thriving ecosystem for artisans while contributing to Gujarat’s economic growth.

Key Objectives of the Policy

The policy emphasizes:

• Empowering artisans through financial support and skill development.
• Preserving traditional crafts and promoting products locally and globally.
• Creating 12 lakh jobs to drive rural employment.
• Increasing the sector’s sales from ₹460 crore to ₹1,500 crore by 2029.

Key Highlights of the Cottage and Rural Industries Policy

Enhanced Financial Support for Artisans

• Loan and Subsidy Upgrades:
  • Under the Shri Vajpayee Bankable Scheme, loan limits have been increased from ₹8 lakh to ₹25 lakh.
  • Subsidies have also been enhanced, rising from ₹1.25 lakh to ₹3.75 lakh.
• Dattopant Thengadi Artisan Interest Subsidy Scheme:
  • Artisans can now avail of working capital loans of up to ₹3 lakh, a significant increase from the previous limit of ₹1 lakh.

This financial boost empowers artisans to scale their businesses, invest in better tools, and adopt modern techniques.

Skill Development and Employment Generation

• The policy targets 60,000 new entrepreneurs for skill development over five years, focusing on handicrafts, khadi, and handlooms.
• Refresher training sessions will be held annually for artisans, conducted by award-winning experts.
• By 2029, the policy aims to generate 12 lakh jobs, fostering a robust rural economy.

Promoting Unique Products through ODOP

The One District One Product (ODOP) initiative takes center stage in promoting Gujarat’s artisanal diversity. Each of Gujarat’s 33 districts will focus on a specialized product, showcasing the region’s unique craft and cultural heritage.

• Targeting 10,000 entrepreneurs per district, the initiative aims to establish these products in both domestic and international markets.
• A PM Ekta Mall is being constructed in Surat at a cost of ₹280 crore, featuring 98 showrooms, artisan accommodations, and commercial facilities. This mall will serve as a hub for ODOP products, boosting visibility and sales.

Geographical Indication (GI) Tagging for Local Crafts

• The policy emphasizes GI tagging to safeguard intellectual property and enhance the value of Gujarat’s regional crafts and handlooms.
• GI-certified products will be marketed as premium offerings, gaining better access to global markets and boosting artisan incomes.

Market Expansion and Sales Growth

The policy envisions a significant leap in the sales of khadi, handloom, and handicraft products, targeting an increase from ₹460 crore to ₹1,500 crore.

• Plans include a craft museum in Gandhinagar, which will serve as a showcase for Gujarat’s rich artisanal heritage.
• A detailed artisan census is also planned to identify and address the specific needs of craftsmen and weavers.

Innovation and Modernization

To keep artisans competitive:

• Training programs will focus on innovative production techniques and technology upgrades.
• Annual refresher courses will help artisans stay aligned with market trends, ensuring their products appeal to contemporary consumers.

The Vision: Local for Global

This policy aligns with Gujarat’s tradition of supporting its cottage industries and resonates with the Local for Vocal initiative promoted by the Prime Minister. By modernizing traditional industries, the policy ensures that Gujarat’s artisans can compete globally while preserving their heritage.

Impact of the Policy

For Artisans:

• Greater access to credit and financial support.
• Skill upgrades to improve productivity and product quality.
• Expanded market reach through ODOP and GI tagging.

For the Economy:

• Creation of 12 lakh jobs boosts rural employment.
• Enhanced sales of artisanal products contribute to economic growth.
• Modernized production processes attract global buyers.

Conclusion

The Cottage and Rural Industries Policy 2024-29 is a transformative step for Gujarat’s artisans. By emphasizing financial support, skill development, and market expansion, the policy aims to empower rural communities and secure global recognition for Gujarat’s rich craft traditions.

As Gujarat weaves its way into the global artisanal market, the policy not only preserves cultural heritage but also positions the state as a leader in cottage and rural industries.

FAQs About Gujarat’s Cottage and Rural Industries Policy

1. What is the Cottage and Rural Industries Policy 2024-29?

Ans: The Cottage and Rural Industries Policy is an initiative by the Gujarat government to support artisans and promote cottage and rural industries through increased financial aid, skill development, and market expansion.

2. What are the key features of the policy?

Ans: the Cottage and Rural Industries Policy includes enhanced loan limits and subsidies, skill development programs, promotion of unique products under the ODOP scheme, GI tagging, and plans to increase sales from ₹460 crore to ₹1,500 crore by 2029.

3. What is the ODOP scheme?

The One District One Product (ODOP) scheme focuses on promoting specialized products unique to each district, helping them gain visibility in domestic and international markets.

4. How does the policy support artisans financially?

Loan limits under the Shri Vajpayee Bankable Scheme have been increased to ₹25 lakh, with higher subsidies. Additionally, the Dattopant Thengadi Artisan Interest Subsidy Scheme offers working capital loans of up to ₹3 lakh.

Q5: What is GI tagging, and why is it important?

Ans: Geographical Indication (GI) tagging protects the intellectual property of regional crafts, enhances their market value, and promotes them as premium products globally.

Q6: How will the policy generate jobs?

Ans: By creating new entrepreneurial opportunities, skill development, and infrastructure projects like the PM Ekta Mall, the policy aims to generate 12 lakh jobs by 2029.