EXIM BANK OF INDIA ORGANISES TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR WOMEN WEAVERS IN UTTARAKHAND

by Shrutee K/DNS

27^th November 2015, Uttarakhand: Post the devastating floods at the temple town in Kedarnath in June 2013, Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) organized a training programme with a view of providing sustainable livelihoods and women empowerment to the affected families in the region of  Dewali-Bhanigram village in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand.

Mandakini Women Weavers Association, which was promoted by Panchachuli Women Weavers Association, brings together  over 300 women from seven of the worst affected villages into groups to teach them spinning, knitting, embroidery and weaving under four common facility centers. A total of 30 rural women with potential, otherwise having no other access to alternative sources of income participated and are getting trained in an intensive program by master trainers from the region for a period of six months to enhance their skills.   The training involves spinning, weaving, knitting and embroidery to develop hand woven and knitted products like Shawl, Stoles & Scarves made from rare wools such as tibetan and mongolian cashmere, lambswool, eri silk and local fibres and materials.  The objective of the training programme is to develop required skills among weavers with an effort to create necessary awareness on advanced weaving techniques which will provide support leading to promotion of domestic as well as international business of high quality hand-crafted products. The program will culminate by the year end.

Ms. Deepali Agrawal, General Manager, Exim Bank, informed the participants that the Bank has been working towards capability creation of artisans across India, helping them to reach the global markets. The Bank has been assisting several artisans across India in value addition, design sensitation  and product development in its attempt to nurture  and globalize the rich art and craft of the country. Ms. Sunita Bhatt, President, Mandakini Women Weavers Association, due to the training these beneficiaries were able to move to commercial production and these beneficiaries will now work as permanent employees under Mandakini Pvt Ltd, which is  under registration process. Dr. H.K. Bagwari, Director, Mandakini Women Weavers Association, stated that the Workshop is providing much needed impetus to the women weavers which helps them in designing new products and provides regular income for disaster affected families. He further informed, with the new products being developed during the training, Mandakini is now ready to attend exhibitions and sell its products commercially.

Exim Bank of India through its Marketing Advisory Services plays a promotional role to create and enhance export capabilities and international competitiveness of Indian companies. Exim Bank assists in identification of opportunities overseas and seeks to help Indian exporting forms in their globalization efforts by proactively assisting in locating overseas distributors / buyers / partners for their products and services. The Bank extends support and promotes grassroots enterprises by providing specific interventions such as assistance in skill development, product development and export readiness, as well.