Why in news
The call for the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign, aimed at encouraging citizens to display the national flag, contrasts with recent developments regarding the flag’s material.
The shift from traditional khadi to machine-made polyester flags has sparked debate, especially given the historical and symbolic importance of khadi
Decline of the Khadi Industry and Government's Role
The 2022 amendment to the Flag Code allowed machine-made polyester flags and exempted them from GST, disadvantaging traditional khadi producers.
The Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha (KKGSS) went on strike to protest the government's decision, which they felt undermined the khadi industry.
KKGSS : in Hubballi district, the country’s sole national flag manufacturing unit accredited by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
India's shift towards polyester flags contrasts with the historical significance of khadi, a fabric symbolizing independence and self-reliance.
The transition away from khadi impacts workers who rely on this traditional craft, affecting their livelihoods and the industry’s economic stability.
There is a lack of government effort to support and revive the khadi industry, leading to diminished market opportunities and financial struggles for khadi producers.
Challenges Faced by the Handloom Sector
Increased costs of raw materials, such as yarns and dyes, compounded by GST, make it difficult for handloom workers to sustain their businesses
Existing government schemes like the Vishwakarma Yojana do not include handloom workers, leaving them without crucial support.
The sale of semi-mechanised khadi under the same label as traditional hand-spun khadi dilutes the value and authenticity of true hand-spun khadi
There is inadequate promotion of Indian handlooms in the global market, reducing their appeal despite a growing global interest in sustainable and fair-trade products.
Handloom workers face poor working conditions and low wages, with manual labor-intensive processes earning them minimal compensation.
Government procurement of khadi has declined, with departments often ignoring mandates to purchase khadi, affecting industry stability and growth
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