India’s handloom sector is set for a technology-focused push with the launch of the Centre of Excellence for Handloom Technology (CoE-HT) at IIT Delhi. The initiative aims to improve livelihoods across the value chain through research, innovation, skill development and digital tools.
Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh said the government aims to ensure that no weaver or artisan earns less than ₹5–6 lakh annually. “In the coming days, weavers will have an income of at least Rs 6 lakh per annum,” he said.
Textiles Secretary Neelam Shami Rao highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between academia, industry and government institutions to develop practical, technology-driven solutions for the sector.
Development Commissioner (Handlooms) Dr. M. Beena said the new centre will act as a hub for research, innovation, knowledge sharing and skill development. It will create opportunities for weavers, designers, entrepreneurs and startups across the value chain.
The centre will focus on loom modernisation, ergonomics, artificial intelligence, sustainability, functional innovation and digital technologies. It will also create a national repository of it’s knowledge, develop AI-enabled tools, support technology transfer, assist startups and train at least 1,000 weavers, faculty members and handloom professionals over the next 5 years.
The government also launched 5 initiatives under the centre. These include Handloom 4.0, a mobile app for digital loom monitoring; Handloom e-Vidya for online learning and skill development; HandloomX for startups; Kalagriha Handloom Studio for digitally enabled design and customisation; and Threads of Valour, which converts recycled defence textiles into premium handloom fabrics.
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