Handloom Weavers Research Articles

The Problems and Challenges of the Handloom Co-operative Societies in Varanasi District

The handloom sector has a unique place in our economy. It is necessary for all round development of any state to ensure that the economic and social benefits of development should reach all the sections of society. The investigation was an attempt to know the existing socio –economic condition of co-operative society’ head,their constraints, evaluation of government welfare programs and schemes, co-operative society’ structure and condition, strength of handloom industry and future of handloom weavers and handloom industry. The present study has been conducted in Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh which is one of the major handloom hubs. It is based on primary and secondary data. The present study was conducted in two cluster-Ram agar and Bajardiha .Out of 350 Handloom Co-operative Society 15 Co-operative Society were randomly selected and each societies 10 Handloom weavers were randomly selected.50 Master weavers and 51 weavers working under master weavers, 49 Independent weavers were purposively selected from densely populated area of Varanasi of handloom weavers. Total 370 Handloom weavers were selected and 15 head of the co-operative societies were selected for the study. A structured interview schedule was prepared and administered on respondents through personal interview method and observation method of data collection. Secondary data for study collected from the published and unpublished sources, annual reports, research, journals and various related websites. Data were analyzed with the help of appropriate statistical tools like Frequency, Percentage, Mean, Standard Deviation T test and F test.The computer software SPSS 16 was also used to find results. for finding out the socio –economic background of respondents the B.G.Prasad’s scale of Socio Economic Status 2017 were used and results were drawn from it. The cooperative heads are getting tough to cope up with modern technology due to unawareness and illiteracy. Thereby they only able to perform old traditional work and are creating designs which are getting out dated day by day. Findings of the study will provide a guideline to the planners , administrators and handloom weavers also for development and strengthening the Handloom industry.

Risk Assesment of Handloom Weavers in Kerala

Risk Assesment of Handloom Weavers in Kerala

Consumption Pattern and the Factors of the Handloom Weavers in Charghat Upazila of Rajshahi District in Bangladesh

This study investigates production culture and consumption pattern of handloom weavers in Charghat Upazila of Rajshahi District in Bangladesh and also finds the factors affecting their consumption pattern. For this purpose, from the Charghat Upazila, the study selects 51 handloom weavers randomly to collect data. To describe the production culture, the study adopts case study approach and the socio-economic conditions and consumption patterns are described by the descriptive Statistics. A multiple regression model is also applied to find out the factors affecting consumption pattern of handloom weavers. The case study finds that the traditional handloom production culture is dominated by women and sustainable products in terms of hand technology. The descriptive statistics analysis finds that handloom weavers have long experiences in this sector but their consumption levels are at minimal level below the national average without sufficient nutrition and non-food consumption. The regression results find that family size, working hours in the handloom-weaving industry, factory ownership, and monthly income has positive and significant impact on the consumption pattern of the families related with handloom-weaving industry. Therefore, the policies regarding adjusted salaries with working hours and marketing facilities should be initiated for improving the consumption pattern of handloom weavers.

Visualizing “ULOS” Women Handloom Weavers by Business Model Canvas

This study introduces the business model ulos women weavers in Toba Samosir Regency. The collecting data used questionnaires and interviews with 10 participants by purposive sampling. Analyzing data used is a descriptive analysis technique with Business Model Canvas Approach. The result shows that the business model is still in a position that operates on the availability of raw materials, equipment, and labour (Key Resources), what about the purchase and storage of raw materials, production, promotion, marketing, as well as product evaluation and development (Key Activities), how to partner with suppliers of yarn raw materials, with microfinance institutions and banks, the government (Key Partnership), how about investment costs, fixed and variable costs, maintenance costs, credit instalments (Cost Structure). The Value Proposition is products from Sigaol village only (Porsea) that are perceived as a good quality products. The handloom weavers sell not only to collectors or agents but to consumers. It can reach the other market. Choosing another segment will impact value propositions, different distribution channels, a different approach to customer relationships, and earn to the profitability revenue stream

Validating a Work-Related Well-Being Model in Handloom Weavers

The study investigated work-related well-being among handloom weavers of Varanasi. The various dimensions of work-related well-being were work engagement, job satisfaction and occupational stress. The work also focused on inter-dimensional relationship of various components of work-related well-being. A cross-sectional survey design with random sampling method was used, and 325 handloom weavers were part of the survey. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis was used to explore and validate the measurement instrument for work-related well-being. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were used to investigate the relationships among various dimensions. The model was tested using structural equation modelling on AMOS 22 platform. The outcomes were suggestive of a three-factor model of work-related well-being which included work engagement, occupational stress and job satisfaction as the components. The findings suggested that job satisfaction positively characterizes work-related well-being followed by work engagement. Occupational stress negatively explains work-related well-being.

Socio-Economic Conditions of Silk Handloom Weavers in Azamgarh and Varanasi Districts of Uttar Pradesh

Socio-Economic Conditions of Silk Handloom Weavers in Azamgarh and Varanasi Districts of Uttar Pradesh

Modified work–rest schedule of the handloom weavers

BACKGROUND: A sustainable work schedule is created by employing proper work and recuperation cycles, as well as balancing high- and low-effort tasks. The work of the handloom weaver was physically and mentally taxing. However, they do not take breaks and work nonstop. Short breaks are good for both physical work and job-related mental and cognitive stress. Therefore, a quick break is used as an intervention. METHODS: Participants in this study included 100 handloom weavers. A modified work–rest plan consists of 50 min of labor and 10 min of rest per hour. To order to calculate Brouha's index, recovery heart rate data were collected after work for 3 min while the participant was seated. Using the flicker-fusion frequency test, visual tiredness was assessed. RESULTS: A newly developed work–rest cycle lessens tiredness and becomes more effective over time. The newly created work–rest plan for the handloom weavers dramatically reduces perceived exertion and energy expenditure. CONCLUSION: The modified work–rest schedule decreased cardiovascular and mental stress. This work–rest schedule will therefore reduce fatigue and help with the work if it is used in this sector.

Struggle and Mutual Aid: The Age of Worker Solidarity by Nicolas Delalande

Reviewed by: Struggle and Mutual Aid: The Age of Worker Solidarity by Nicolas Delalande John Zerzan NICOLAS DELALANDE Struggle and Mutual Aid: The Age of Worker Solidarity Trans. Anthony Roberts. New York. Other Press. 2023. 432 pages. PUBLISHED IN FRANCE in 1999, Nicolas Delalande's Struggle and Mutual Aid is a mainly Eurocentric study of the International Workingmen's Association (IWA), founded in 1864, and its legacy. The First International, as it is commonly known, established many of the features of trade union organization; it is largely in terms of organization that this history is cast. The mutual aid to which the title refers is inseparable from the organization of the IWA and its subsequent iterations. The support the IWA provided, or withheld, was really a function of its structure and, unavoidably, the context in which it operated. Thus, ideology takes a decided back seat for Delalande, though that aspect is ever present during the times under examination. What is far more obscured are basic social institutions that take shape as formal labor bodies appear and evolve, as with the course of any modern institution or formation. I think it is necessary to take a look at basic dimensions in order to grasp the meaning and background of Delalande's terms, the most commonly used one being "solidarity." Émile Durkheim may be said to set the stage with his distinction between premodern "mechanical" solidarity versus modern "organic" solidarity. He upheld division of labor or specialization as fostering the cooperative nature of organic solidarity. This is fundamentally at odds with the reality of modern anomie and subjugation. Delalande does not acknowledge his debt to Durkheim, but Struggle locates its very foundations on such a valorization or elevation of division of labor. Industrial society itself has no other more primary basis, the "solidarity" of the narrowed machine worker, reduced to a role, a cog in a machine. Karl Marx, a key figure in the First International, proclaimed early on that liberation would only be achieved through the abolition of division of labor, that most basic social institution. Where the individual "could hunt in the morning, fish in the afternoon," Marx saw that specialization introduces distinctions of authority and pits "man against his fellow man." Later on, embracing the industrialism that Delalande completely takes for granted, Marx, Mr. First International, fully embraced the division of labor. Only when the proletariat is united in the factories will it become the liberatory force required for revolutionary victory in the class war. Going forward, Marx clearly predicated liberation on the existence of factories, of industrial wage slavery. In England, the focus of much of Struggle, textile mills were among the first factories in the late eighteenth century. By various means, and against the backdrop of advancing enclosures (forced conversion of communal land into private property), people—mostly women and children—were forced into the factories. There, they toiled long hours. Subject to industrial discipline (e.g., trained to obey the clock), they were driven to a further stage of domestication. Robbed of time and energy, they were hardly the Mighty Proletarians of Marx's dream. Much more refractory, and given to rioting, were independent craftsmen, such as the handloom weavers who resisted proletarianization, even, in [End Page 64] some cases, to the point of starvation. They rejected "solidarity" in favor of their autonomy. In the United States, the Millerites (later known as Seventh-Day Adventists) announced that the world would end in 1844. In a sense they were right; a world did end by that time. Industrialization and the factory had come a bit earlier in Europe, and by the time of the First International in the 1860s, the earlier world of home-based family workshops had definitively come to an end. The IWA itself came to an end in 1872, after failing to give much mutual aid or intellectual support to the survivors of the defeated Paris Commune the year before. It was moved to New York, and its effort expired. The European branch was occupied with questions of regional communication and cooperation. Based in London, its backbone was English trade unions, almost invariably less militant and radical than those on the continent. In its...

Problems Faced By Women Handloom Weavers in Pollachi Taluk

Problems Faced By Women Handloom Weavers in Pollachi Taluk

Assessing Socio-Economic Conditions, Factors Influencing Choice of Profession and Entrepreneurial Traits of E–Rickshaw Drivers

This study attempted to describe the interpretation of self-care behaviors of handloom weavers having musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and the influence of the training module, which ultimately enhances their self-care habits. Handloom weavers adopt uncomfortable postures, which lead to poor performance and MSD. As a result, both individuals and organizations suffer economic losses. MSDs are among the main workplace hazards for ergonomists. Many handloom weavers also work in risky occupations. Weavers worked in static positions with pressure on their legs, feet, hands, and wrists. Based on this factor, we explored MSD prevalence among handloom weavers. The Self-Care Habit Assessment Questionnaire includes general care, recognizing early signs of discomfort, and evaluating the effectiveness of workouts for work-related MSD. Researchers collected data through structured interviews with 50 handloom weavers who met the inclusion criteria. Participants in the study received a guidebook on treating work-related MSD with proper explanations. A post-knowledge examination was conducted for the same study participants fifteen days later using the same questionnaire. Researchers found that the mean score for general instructions improved from 1.76±0.32 in the pre-knowledge to 2.76±0.21 in post-knowledge, and the mean score for identifying pain and discomfort increased from 2.06±0.52 to 2.34±0.32. Besides, knowledge related to workout assessment improved from 2.02±0.36 in the pre-knowledge to 2.71±0.28 in the post-knowledge, with a statistically significant improvement of p

A Study of Socio-Economic Conditions of Handloom Weavers in Uttar Pradesh of India

This study examines the social and economic conditions of handloom weavers in Uttar Pradesh state of India. This study is primarily based on secondary data, and the data were evaluated using a simple percentage, an annual growth rate, and a compound annual growth rate. They were also shown in a pie chart and a bar chart. This study is based on the following key aspects such as location, age, gender, religion, social group, educational qualifications, type and size of family, employment status, type and ownership of dwelling units, ration card, source of loan and purpose of the loan, monthly household income from handloom-related activities, and ownership of looms. The study results indicated that most workers are men, and the number of women workers is not good. Most weavers in Uttar Pradesh are members of the Muslim religion or the OBC (Other Backward Class) social group. Most workers live in kutcha houses, especially in rural areas. In cities, more households live in pucca and semi-pucca houses than in rural areas. It was also found that most handloom workers (97.3%) have their own homes in rural areas. There aren't enough educated handloom weavers, and a study shows that most weavers have never been to school. It can be said that most of the weavers, or about 55 per cent, worked as independent weavers. About 40 per cent worked as master weavers. It was found that most, or 59.5 per cent, of weaver households, have an income of less than Rs. 5,000. It can be said that most (53.2% of the weaver households) have taken out a loan for handloom purposes. The study found that most (25.5%) handloom households got loans from the government, followed by commercial banks (21.9 per cent). It found that most weaver households (73.5% of them) work with looms and that 26.5 % of weaver household’s work without looms. The study found that more male weavers (66.1%) have bank accounts than female weavers (only 33.7%). The study found that more male weavers (66.1%) have bank accounts than female weavers (only 33.7%). It found that 62.4 per cent of male weavers and 37.5 per cent of female weavers have aadhar cards. Only two transgender people have Aadhar cards. Most households (60%) have a monthly household income of less than Rs. 5,000, but the monthly household income in cities is higher than in rural areas. It also shows that most of the sales of their main products come from the local market (46.1%) and master weaver (43.3 per cent).

Issues and Challenges of the Indian Handloom Sector: A Legal Perspective

One of the most significant unorganized industries in the Indian economy is the handloom industry. According to some estimates, the handloom industry employs about forty lakh people. However, weavers involved in handloom production are unable to thrive in the face of fierce global competition and predatory tactics by multinational textile corporations, which threaten the survival of traditional handloom weavers through technical innovation. Due to these factors, the Indian handloom is always on the verge of hunger and starvation. The handloom industry’s strength comes from the fact that it is built on human talent, which is a component of traditional knowledge. Traditional knowledge cannot be adequately protected by the IP system in place. However, GI has developed as a legal tool for the defence and advancement of traditional knowledge. This is especially true in the case of the Indian GI Act, which covers a wide range of handloom products that are solely the result of human talent and independent of natural variables like typical area climatic circumstances. To preserve our rich historical and cultural legacy, it is imperative to safeguard and protect traditional methods, knowledge, and handloom products. Handloom weavers can benefit from Intellectual Property Rights protection under the existing worldwide regime. Some of the problems the handloom industry is currently facing and which give rise to legal issues include the socioeconomic circumstances of the weavers, the profitability of the handloom industry, the difficulties the weavers face, the accessibility of financial support, and innovative marketing strategies. Therefore, it is imperative that we consider these challenges and develop the kinds of plans that could aid the handloom business and weavers in improving their current situation. As a result, the paper looks at the current legal system for intellectual property rights to effectively safeguard the personal rights of handloom weavers as well as the craft itself.

Dreams of Weaving: Creative Practice-Led Approach to Handloom Product Development in Sri Lanka Using Artisans’ Socio-Emotional Identities

Amidst the contemporary global trends of “hyper-localised” and “sustainable” fashion, the craft-based industries have been given substantial importance in recent times. Realising the competence of the Handloom weaving industry in Sri Lanka within the global fashion industry, this research proposes a new product development approach using the socio-emotional identities of the Handloom artisans. The study takes a practice-led approach following an initial data collection through qualitative research where a purposive sample of twenty-seven Handloom artisans from three provinces in Sri Lanka are interviewed and observed to identify their socio-emotional identities. The study subsequently guides the creation of an un-cut handloom textile developed by the artisans to explore the potential portrayal of the socio-emotional identities of a cross-section of Handloom weavers in Sri Lankan in the final product. This practice-led research chiefly contributes to the Handloom textile sector of Sri Lanka as it provides innovative and unforeseen avenues for new product development and contributes to the existing knowledge of craft-based research. The study affirms the need for acknowledging the Handloom artisans in Sri Lanka and adapting artisan-oriented approaches in future product development. These findings are also valuable in new product development for the Handloom weaving industry in the countries sharing the same industry attributes in the South Asian region.

Women’s Empowerment through Skill Education and Entrepreneurship Development in the Handloom Sector in Mizoram

Handlooms not only represent the rich cultural heritage of India but are also important from the point of view of their size and employment potential. It is the second-largest provider of employment in India after agriculture. The handloom workforce in India is largely outside the realms of formal education in India, impeding their empowerment. This article probes into the extent of empowerment among students of the Bachelor of Vocation (B.Voc) (Handloom Weaver) and the impact of this unique course conducted at Mizoram University on women’s empowerment. Drawing on Naila Kabeer’s concept, the article examines women’s empowerment among students as an impact of the B.Voc course at Mizoram University. The B.Voc course provides skill-based education as well as prospects of employment through entrepreneurship with the promotion of the ‘Hnatlang Handloom Producer Company Ltd’ by the students. The study revealed that the B.Voc Handloom course provided valuable education and knowledge on hands-on handloom skills, entrepreneurship and leadership experience, exposure to marketing and networking, and fund management. However, students continue to subscribe to some of the stereotypical mindset. There is a need for sensitisation sessions on ‘Women’s Empowerment and Gender Studies’ to enable them to reconstruct structural inequalities and patriarchy.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Musculoskeletal Pain among Rural Handloom Weavers in Sirajganj, Bangladesh

The loom industry is the traditional industry in Bangladesh. It is situated especially in rural areas. Many weavers are working in the handloom industry. The study aims to determine the prevalence rate of musculoskeletal pain and its associated factors. This study is a cross-sectional study, including openended and close-ended questionnaires. Two hundred fifty (250) handloom weavers have participated in this study. Frequency analysis and Chi-square test were done by R software. A total of 82.4% of weavers have musculoskeletal pain. Among them, 50% have lower back pain, 48.4% have shoulder pain, and 46.4% have knee pain. Some factors are associated with those pain. Age of respondents and number of working days are associated with lower back pain and shoulder pain. Only age is associated with thigh, ankle and elbow pain. Types of treatment that weavers have taken are associated with arm pain. The weavers with musculoskeletal pain are mostly illiterate and have not taken physical exercise. Notably, 67.2% of weavers have taken treatment, and 21.6% of the participants reported that they have improved upon the treatment. Among those who have taken treatment, only 21.6% of weavers have got improved. As the highest portion of weavers has musculoskeletal, proper knowledge should be implemented for them and need to improve their quality of life. Bangladesh government and any Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) or institutions should implement consciousness about musculoskeletal pain. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 25(2): 188-198, 2022 (July)

Effectiveness of Self-Care Training Module forWork-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Handloom Weavers at Udaynarayanpur, West Bengal

This study attempted to describe the interpretation of self-care behaviors of handloom weavers having musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and the influence of the training module, which ultimately enhances their self-care habits. Handloom weavers adopt uncomfortable postures, which lead to poor performance and MSD. As a result, both individuals and organizations suffer economic losses. MSDs are among the main workplace hazards for ergonomists. Many handloom weavers also work in risky occupations. Weavers worked in static positions with pressure on their legs, feet, hands, and wrists. Based on this factor, we explored MSD prevalence among handloom weavers. The Self-Care Habit Assessment Questionnaire includes general care, recognizing early signs of discomfort, and evaluating the effectiveness of workouts for work-related MSD. Researchers collected data through structured interviews with 50 handloom weavers who met the inclusion criteria. Participants in the study received a guidebook on treating work-related MSD with proper explanations. Apost-knowledge examination was conducted for the same study participants fifteen days later using the same questionnaire. Researchers found that the mean score for general instructions improved from 1.76±0.32 in the pre-knowledge to 2.76±0.21 in post-knowledge, and the mean score for identifying pain and discomfort increased from 2.06±0.52 to 2.34±0.32. Besides, knowledge related to workout assessment improved from 2.02±0.36 in the pre-knowledge to 2.71±0.28 in the post-knowledge, with a statistically significant improvement of p<0.5. The written instructional guidelines with explanation enhanced better understanding and promoted self-care habits among handloom weavers performing workouts. Research shows that practicing Self-Care Training Modules for Work-Related MSD can reduce the risk of MSD among handloom weavers and attenuate physical and emotional discomfort.

A study on issues and challenges on production of handloom sector with special reference to rayalaseema and costal region of Andhra Pradesh

Handloom sector in Andhra Pradesh is known to manufacture exclusive sarees with intricate and distinctive designs. Every piece woven is often different from others. In view of the field work, the present study examines the problems and prospects of handloom sector of Andhra Pradesh which contributes significantly to the state economy and provides sustainable livelihood opportunities to natives of the state This study is concentrated in Rayalaseem and Costal Region of Andhra Pradesh, because in spite of decrease in handloom weaver population in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The studies also revealed that customers are willing to buy handloom and handcrafted products but they do not have this knowledge whether they are spending money on the original or the imitated product. The studies also revealed that customers are willing to buy handloom and handcrafted products but they do not have this knowledge whether they are spending money on the original or the imitated product. The visibility of handloom and handicrafts in the fashion and textile market had increased with the mobile applications and the handcraft will develop into a brand in itself with improved customer experience in Andhra Pradesh.

Handloom Cloth Production in Colonial United Provinces: The Response to Industrial Competition

This article briefly traces some general trends defining the existence of handloom weaving industry in United Provinces in the late nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth century. Handloom industry, in spite of the dislocation through large imports of British cloth, still remained the largest employing sector in this region, after agriculture. Use of machine-made yarn play a part in the survival of the handloom weaver, and there being now escalating competition between Indian and British mill yarn for supplying the local handloom industry. Handspun yarn ultimately became a miniscule part of the yarn market. The article analyses the ways in which the region’s handloom weavers were affected by these changes, by focusing on the shifts towards production of special kinds of cloth and search for investments, raw material and market. Such changes also meant that the previous inter-community forms of dependence tended to be transformed into intra-community forms of exploitation.

A Study on Impact of Atmanirvar Bharat on Handloom Weavers of Odisha

Introduction: Indian handloom products produced by handloom weavers are famous for their unique designs, quality, colour, durability and elegance and have cultural heritage through its calligraphy at both national international markets. ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ programme (Self-reliant campaign) of Government of India, is the ‘vocal for local’ campaign, composed with ‘Make in India’ campaign, presents opportunity to the handloom weavers to further strengthen the Indian handloom in the global textiles galaxy. The COVID 19 also has been torched the path of new development for handloom sector through the Atmanirbhar Bharat Campaign. Research Gap: A good numerous of studies have been conducted on Make in India, AtmanirbharBharat, key sectors of Atmanirbhaar Bharat and Make in India by various researchers, academicians, scholars etc. But, no remarkable studies have been undertaken on impact of Atmanirbhar Bharat on handloom and handloom weavers of Odisha.Objective of Study: The present study attempts to analyse the impact of “Atmanirabhar Bharat” on handloom weavers of Odisha. Research Methodology: The present study is based on primary and secondary data. The primary data have been collected from the 100 number of sample handloom weavers through well-designed questionnaire and indirect interview method. The secondary data have been collected from various e-journals, e-research papers, e-magazines, various websites and internets. The collected data have been classified and tabulated according to the requirement of the study. There are various statistical tools like percentage calculations; chi-square test, One-Way ANOVA, t-Test, and Likert 5 point scale have been used for the analysis and interpretation of results. Conclusion: The present study concluded that ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign has little bit (about 5-10%) impact on handloom weavers of Odisha at present and it will have more impact on handloom weavers in the future perspective.

Status of Handloom Sector in India and Tamil Nadu State and Government Initiatives for its Promotion

Aim: Handloom plays a vital role in the Indian economy, by creating ample opportunities of employment. The aim of the study is to study about the significance of the sector at national and state level and to make a detailed study about the initiatives taken by state and central government for the sustainable growth of handloom.
 Study Design: Secondary data was collected from various government websites and reports. The data was organised and analysed to fulfil the objective of the study.
 Methodology: Percentage analysis and Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) was used to analyse the data.
 Results: Results revealed that handloom sector is growing at CAGR of 2.48 percent and the various initiatives taken by state and central government lead to sustainable growth of handloom sector by providing continuous employment to handloom weavers.