The handloom sector is the one of the largest employment providers in both rural and semi-urban areas of India. Though it employs a large number of rural people, the handloom sector is considered a sunset industry due to the relentless encroachment of mechanisation, modernisation and sophistication. The Artisans and weavers are facing a severe livelihood crisis because of adverse government policies, globalisation and changing socio-economic conditions.
Even though the national and state governments have enacted several schemes for safeguarding the interests of the weaving community, ineffective implementation has rendered them redundant. Also, increasing competition from the power loom and mill sectors has been largely responsible for the crisis in the handlooms.
The weaving industry in Chanderi is a thriving one, but ironically, not for the weavers, instead for the middlemen and garment manufactories. The weavers only get a meager amount as remuneration for their product, since the raw material is provided by the middlemen, master weavers and garment manufactories.
Local design inputs are discouraged and the twin processes of designing and stitching are undertaken outside by garment manufactories. Consequentially, a weaver’s monthly salary amounts to hardly Rs. 1500, which is barely sufficient for him to sustain his family. Moreover, there is an inherent threat to the handloom industry of Chanderi since the younger generation is not willing to take carry forward the skills of their fathers and forefathers.
The existing social-economic condition of Chanderi is very bleak. The sectors of education, health, entrepreneurship activities are not well developed. The quality of learning and teaching in schools is low. Schools are oblivious to the benefits of ICT in Education since there are no computer labs in Schools. There is no emphasis on natural resources management and preservation. The people of Chanderi therefore need to get involved in key community driven activities in order to empower themselves.
CWICTRC
The Chanderi Weavers ICT Resource Centre (CWICTRC) will be the harbinger of Information and Communication technology to the weaving community and other communities of Chanderi. It will benefit those who are willing to learn and empower of those who are willing to persevere.
The ICT resource centre endeavours to provide ICT support to the weavers for creation of new designs as well as for the preservation of traditional designs. It also entails capacity building in terms of designing and stitching in order to produce finished products. It will ensure the sustainability and survival of the handloom industry by linking the weaver with the world through the medium of ICT. The aim therefore is to make sure that the economic benefit is distributed equitably and democratically.
The ICT resource centre will also provide vocational training for the youth of in order to equip them for alternative options of livelihood as well as impart training in basic English language skills and computers. In all, a holistic approach that would lead to the empowerment of the weaving community as well as other communities of Chanderi.
CIIDP
The Chanderi Integrated Digital Development Programme (CIIDP) endeavours to empower the people of Chanderi through the application ICT tools and methodologies. In this program, seven key areas will be addressed, which include Education, Healthcare, Entrepreneurship, Natural Resource Management and Tourism.
The CIIDP will ensure the availability of quality education in Chanderi by enhancing teaching and learning modules. It will cater to Healthcare issues through the medium of ICT by instituting telemedicine facilities. It will aid in promoting community based entrepreneurship through ICT tools and business models. The medium of ICT will also be used in the preservation and proper utilization of local natural resources through the creation of a data management engine. Tourism will be promoted through the digitization of Chanderi’s social, historical and cultural fabric.
The CIIDP will give Chanderi a digital facelift through the creation of a comprehensive community portal. The women will be active members of this Program; their skills will be honed through a capacity building and skill development program – ‘Women as Change Agents’.
Above all, the permeation of ICT into the socio – economic fabric of Chanderi through the CIIDP will be pivotal in resolving healthcare issues, enhancing the quality of education, facilitating proper natural resource management, promoting community based tourism and social entrepreneurship. It will therefore aid immensely in the empowerment of the people of Chanderi.