National Workshop on “Handloom Sector: Inclusive Growth Policies” 12th December, 2011, New Delhi
Narasimha Reddy Donthi
Dear Friend,
Sorry for any cross-postings.
Greetings from Chetana Society.
This is a communication to invite you to participate in a one
day National Workshop on “Handloom Sector: Inclusive Growth Policies”
to be organised by us.
Conceived as a brainstorming platform to discuss the content of the various
policies, including National Fibre Policy, this workshop will look
into the concerns of handloom weavers in continuing their livelihoods.
Handloom weavers continue to hedge their limited options through low wages and
higher production, across the country. While the rate of suicides is not at
noticeable levels, the misery among the families is palpable. Migration to other
areas and other employment is happening in many handloom clusters. Growth is
also seen in quite a few handloom brands in anticipation of seasonal demand
largely due to marriages and festivals. Meanwhile, the living costs have
continued to rise due to increase in prices of food grains and vegetables. With
no hopes of higher wages, due to price pressure created by unregulated textile
markets, handloom weaver are being pushed deeper into the spiral of debt,
poverty and misery. Efforts to break this spiral are facing new challenges, in
addition to the conventional challenges.
Leading policymakers, officials, industry representatives, NGOs and others from
different States including Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh,
Rajasthan, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, would be
participating in this event. This Workshop is being organised with
the principal support of European Union and Oxfam India.
Venue: Conference Hall 1, Indian International Centre, 40, Max Mueller Marg,
New Delhi
Date: 12th December, 2011
Time: 9.30 AM
Contact in Delhi: Ms. Meenakshi Kapoor 09891495048
Importantly, please inform us about your participation by 5th December, 2011, which would help in logistical planning and arrangements..
Yours Truly,
D. Narasimha Reddy
For Chetana Society