Launch of ‘Vishwa Sutra’ Initiative
- Context: The Ministry of Textiles launched Vishwa Sutra – Weaves of India for the World.
- A designer collection under this initiative was showcased at the 61st Femina Miss India held in Bhubaneswar.
Implementing Agencies
- Developed by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms).
- In collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).
Objective of the Initiative
- To present Indian handlooms in a modern, global design context.
- Aims to blend traditional weaving with contemporary fashion trends.
Unique Concept
- Features 30 distinct handloom weaves from different Indian states.
- Each weave is reimagined using design inspirations from 30 different countries.
- Reflects a fusion of Indian tradition and global aesthetics.
Policy Vision
- Aligns with the government’s “Vocal for Local to Global” approach.
- Promotes the 5F Framework.
Importance of Handloom Sector
- Helps preserve India’s cultural heritage.
- Generates sustainable livelihoods for artisans.
- Strengthens India’s global presence in textiles and fashion.
Significance
- Positions Indian handlooms as globally competitive and fashion-forward.
- Encourages innovation while retaining traditional craftsmanship.
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005
- Context: To mitigate the impact of geopolitical tensions in West Asia on supply chains and the prices of essential commodities, the Central Government has allocated ₹17,744 crore to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (the ‘100-day work scheme’).
- The 100-day work scheme will remain operational until the Viksit Bharat–G RAM G Scheme, 2025′ comes into effect. Wages will be disbursed in a timely manner.
About the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005
- The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was launched in 2005 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Rural Development.
-
- This scheme guarantees wage employment for a minimum of 100 days in a financial year to those willing to work within rural households. Thereby, it ensures livelihood security.
- Adults aged 18 years and above, belonging to registered rural households and willing to undertake unskilled manual labour, are eligible to benefit under this scheme.
- In areas affected by drought or natural disasters, an additional 50 days of employment is provided with the aim of strengthening rural resilience.
- The scheme is demand-driven; employment must be provided whenever it is requested. If employment is not provided within 15 days of the request being made, beneficiaries are entitled to receive an unemployment allowance.
- The unemployment allowance is disbursed at a rate equal to one-fourth of the minimum wage for the first 30 days, and at half the minimum wage thereafter.
- The scheme is implemented across all parts of the country specifically in rural areas with the exception of districts that are entirely urbanized.
About the Viksit Bharat – G RAM G Scheme
-
- This scheme guarantees 125 days of wage employment to rural households within a financial year.
- The scheme introduces a funding-sharing mechanism between the Central and State governments, set at a ratio of 60:40 for most states and 90:10 for special category regions.
- State governments are permitted to declare up to a maximum of 60 days within a financial year as “non-work days.”
- In addition to upholding the employment guarantee, the scheme ensures budgetary predictability through planned financial allocations.
- The scheme promotes institutionalized convergence and integrated infrastructure planning to foster enhanced rural development.
