Nitin Gadkari aims to revive handloom industry, create jobs for 5,000 women
Nagpur, Oct 17 (UNI) union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday said the Dhapewada Textile project was aimed at reviving the traditional handloom industry of the Halba tribal community and creating new employment opportunities for women, with a target of providing jobs to 5,000 women in the future.
The new building of Dhapewada Textile Industry Producer Company Limited at Dhapewada in Kalmeshwar taluka was inaugurated by Bollywood actress and MP Hema Malini, who also formally launched the handloom initiative, in the presence of Gadkari and other dignitaries. Speaking at the programme, Gadkari said handlooms were once an integral part of every Halba household, but the tradition was now on the verge of extinction. The project was launched to restore the industry's former glory and provide sustainable livelihoods to traditional weavers.
He said the initiative began in 2021, with women receiving training in handloom weaving. Although there were initial concerns about market demand, the quality of products had improved and demand had subsequently increased. Projects had also been launched in Gadchiroli and Washim districts to expand production, while another unit was planned at Khapa. Gadkari said efforts were being made to take Dhapewada Textile to the global market through exports and the use of artificial intelligence. Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh said the textile sector had immense employment-generation potential and described the Dhapewada project as a milestone for the industry.
He expressed confidence that the initiative would enable members of the weaving community to earn Rs 29,000 to Rs 30,000 per month throughout the year. Maharashtra Textiles Minister Sanjay Savkare said the initiative has given Dhapewada a new identity and that fashion shows would help promote and market its traditional products. He also suggested making traditional products available for sale at Nagpur airport. Hema Malini visited the facility and appreciated the initiative. A saree she particularly liked was gifted to her by Gadkari. She expressed happiness over the visit, extended Navratri greetings and praised Gadkari's innovative initiatives, noting that the project was providing employment to women and creating a new platform for traditional sarees. A fashion show featuring models from Mumbai was a major attraction of the event, showcasing traditional Karvatkathi tasar silk, silk-cotton and Patti-border cotton sarees produced by Dhapewada Textile.
The women weavers of Dhapewada also walked the ramp alongside the models, drawing loud applause from the audience. Cadence Academy participated in the show. The company has more than 700 women members and 100 operational handlooms. It manufactures tasar silk, silk-cotton and cotton sarees, with a focus on training local women and generating employment.
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