The National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) is a central sector flagship scheme implemented by the Ministry of Textiles through the Office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms. Designed to provide holistic and integrated support to handloom weavers across India, the scheme aims to enhance productivity, foster design innovation, facilitate e-commerce integration, and protect traditional weaving heritage.

Key Objectives and Core Components

NHDP follows a cluster-based development approach to strengthen the entire handloom value chain from raw material sourcing to marketing.

  • Block Level Clusters: Provides financial assistance up to ₹2 crore per cluster for skill upgrade, technology modification, construction of worksheds, and setting up Common Facility Centres.
  • Handloom Marketing Assistance: Subsidizes participation in national and international expos, buyer-seller meets, and brand promotion events to expand market reach.
  • Concessional Credit & Weaver Mudra Scheme: Offers margin money assistance up to ₹10,000 per weaver and interest subvention of 6% for three years through Mudra loans.
  • Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS): Delivers quality yarn at subsidized rates with freight reimbursement to counter price volatility in natural fibers.

Branding, GI Protection, and Infrastructure

The programme integrates intellectual property protection and modern branding to elevate Indian handlooms into premium global lifestyle products.

  • India Handloom Brand (IHB): Launched on National Handloom Day in 2015, IHB certifies high-quality, eco-friendly handloom products with zero defect and zero effect on the environment.
  • Geographical Indication (GI) Safeguards: Supports registration and enforcement of GI tags for traditional weaves (e.g., Tangaliya, Gollabhama, Sambalpuri) to prevent cultural misappropriation and counterfeit powerloom production.
  • E-Commerce and Urban Haat Integration: Partners with major e-commerce platforms and establishes permanent marketing hubs like Urban Haats to connect rural weaver cooperatives directly with urban and international consumers.