GI & Beyond 2.0 Launches Digital Platform For Handloom Growth
The Ministry of Textiles has unveiled the Digital Handloom Atlas – One Platform. Endless Markets, a new digital platform aimed at enhancing the visibility and market reach of India’s handloom products, including Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged textiles, during the GI & Beyond 2.0 Summit in New Delhi.
Organised by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) in association with the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC), the summit brought together policymakers, exporters, overseas buyers, industry leaders, academia and GI stakeholders to explore strategies for expanding domestic and international opportunities for India’s traditional products.
Inaugurating the event, Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs & Textiles, described GI tags as more than legal protections, calling them symbols of India’s cultural heritage, craftsmanship and identity. He stressed the need to combine technology and innovation with traditional skills to unlock new markets while preserving authenticity.
A key highlight of the summit was the presentation of new GI certificates to several traditional products, including Ladakh Nambu Textile, Ladakh Pashmina Textile, Himachal Gudma, Himachal Lingchay, Jharkhand Bamboo Craft, Jharkhand Tussar Silk Saree & Fabrics, Munda Jewellery of Jharkhand, and Bareilly Terracotta, recognising efforts to preserve and promote regional crafts.
Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary (Textiles), said the Digital Handloom Atlas would strengthen linkages between weavers and buyers by providing greater visibility to India’s GI-tagged handloom products. Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), highlighted the role of GI recognition in creating long-term value and new economic opportunities for weaving communities.
