Gujarat Launches Cottage and Rural Industries Policy 2024-29

The Gujarat government has introduced an ambitious Cottage and Rural Industries Policy 2024-29, aiming to bolster the cottage industry, preserve handicrafts, and enhance the sector’s domestic and global market presence. The policy emphasizes increased credit support, infrastructure development, and promotion of unique local products through initiatives like the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme and GI tagging for intellectual property protection. The policy was announced by Minister of Cottage Industries Balvantsinh Rajput and Minister of State for Cottage Industries Jagdish Panchal at Gandhinagar.

Key Highlights of the Policy

Increased Loan and Subsidy Amounts

• Under the Shri Vajpayee Bankable Scheme, loan limits increased from ₹8 lakh to ₹25 lakh, with subsidies enhanced from ₹1.25 lakh to ₹3.75 lakh.
• The Dattopant Thengadi Artisan Interest Subsidy Scheme now provides artisans with working capital loans of up to ₹3 lakh, up from ₹1 lakh previously.

Skill Development and Employment Generation

• Training for over 60,000 new entrepreneurs over five years to upgrade skills in handicrafts, khadi, and handlooms.
• The policy aims to create 12 lakh jobs within the state by 2029.

Promotion of Unique Products under ODOP

• Targeting 10,000 entrepreneurs per district, the ODOP scheme will promote specialized products unique to Gujarat’s 33 districts and other regions.
• Construction of the PM Ekta Mall in Surat for showcasing ODOP products at a cost of ₹280 crore, featuring 98 showrooms, artisan accommodations, and commercial facilities.

Market Expansion and Sales Growth

• Sales of khadi, handloom, and handicraft products by associated artisans to rise from ₹460 crore to ₹1,500 crore.
• Plans for a craft museum in Gandhinagar and a detailed artisan census to enhance market support.

Geographical Indication (GI) Tagging

• Facilitating GI certifications to safeguard intellectual property and promote regional handicrafts and handlooms as premium products.

Skill and Market Modernization

• Annual refresher training for artisans by national and state awardees to align with market trends.
• Promotion of innovation and technology upgrades to modernize production processes.

Context and Vision

This policy aligns with Gujarat’s long-standing tradition of nurturing its cottage industry and resonates with the “Local for Vocal” initiative championed by the Prime Minister. It builds upon past efforts to promote khadi and handicrafts while incorporating futuristic strategies to secure global recognition for Gujarat’s artisanal products.

Summery of the news