Latest news with #NHDP
Time of India
12-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India's infrastructure leap: Nehru's temples to today's tech towers
India's infrastructure journey since 1947, in many ways, is the story of the nation itself, moving from building the physical foundations of a newly independent country to shaping a connected, technology-driven economy. Over the decades, the priorities have evolved: from massive state-led industrial projects to strategic investments in connectivity, logistics, urban transformation and digital networks. Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Today, public-private partnerships, coordinated planning and technology integration are as important as political will in driving this transformation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The 5 Books Warren Buffett Recommends You To Read in 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Nehru's 'temples of modern India' In the early decades after independence, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's vision was to lay the groundwork for industrialisation and self-reliance. The 'temples of modern India,' as he called them, were large public sector projects, massive irrigation and power plants like the Bhakra-Nangal Dam, and integrated steel plants in Bhilai, Durgapur, and Rourkela. Live Events Guided by the Nehru-Mahalanobis strategy, the Second Five-Year Plan (1956–1961) and the Third Five-Year Plan (1961–1966) emphasised heavy industry, public sector undertakings, and infrastructure capable of supporting large-scale agricultural and industrial production. These projects were not just about capacity; they were symbols of a nation determined to stand on its own feet. From steel and dams to roads and ports By the 1990s, as India's economy liberalised, the focus shifted to connecting markets, cities and rural areas. The National Highways Development Project (NHDP), launched in 1998, was a turning point. Its flagship component, the Golden Quadrilateral, stretched 5,846 km to link Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, reducing travel time, cutting transport costs and boosting trade between major industrial and agricultural hubs. At the same time, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), launched in 2000, transformed rural connectivity by building all-weather roads to previously unconnected villages, bringing healthcare, education and markets within reach for millions. Ports also received renewed attention. While India's major ports like Mumbai and Chennai had been operational for decades, the Sagarmala programme, launched in 2015, brought a comprehensive vision, modernising ports, boosting coastal shipping, and developing inland waterways to reduce logistics costs and integrate the maritime sector more closely with India's trade networks. Urban mass transit gains speed Urban mobility entered a new phase with the metro. The Kolkata Metro, India's first underground system, opened in 1984 after years of slow construction. Lessons from that project informed the creation of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation in 1995, a joint venture between the Centre and the Delhi government with unprecedented autonomy to speed up execution. The first line opened in 2002, and its success spurred a wave of metro projects. Today, more than 15 cities operate metro systems, with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs reporting daily ridership across networks exceeding one crore. Air travel and bullet trains India's aviation network has grown rapidly. In 2014, the country had 74 operational airports; by September 2024, that number had risen to 157. The UDAN scheme (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) has been central to this growth, subsidising regional routes and reviving unused airstrips to make air travel affordable and accessible. Railways, meanwhile, are being modernised with electrification, better signalling and higher-speed services. The most ambitious step is the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, India's first bullet train project, being built by the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited, which will connect the two cities at speeds of up to 320 km/h. Smart cities and digital highways Infrastructure today is as much about data as it is about concrete and steel. Launched in 2015, the Smart Cities Mission aims to upgrade 100 cities with integrated planning, improved public services, and technology-enabled governance. At the heart of this are Integrated Command and Control Centres, which use AI, IoT and real-time data to manage traffic, utilities, waste, and security. Complementing this urban push is BharatNet, a nationwide project to bring high-speed broadband to every gram panchayat, ensuring that rural India is fully part of the digital economy. A new era of coordinated planning The latest phase in India's infrastructure evolution is about integration. The Gati Shakti National Master Plan , launched in 2021, is designed to break down bureaucratic silos and coordinate projects across ministries. It brings roads, railways, ports, airports and digital infrastructure into a single planning framework, ensuring that investments are strategically aligned and executed efficiently. The goal is not just to build more but to build smarter, creating infrastructure that is economically productive, socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable. From Nehru's towering dams to the digital command centres of smart cities, the arc of India's infrastructure tells a story of ambition, adaptation and scale. Each era has built upon the last, creating not just physical assets but the connective tissue that binds the world's most populous democracy together.
Time of India
27-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Asharikandi, Majuli masks among 6 crafts in NE chosen for research
Guwahati: Central govt is moving forward to undertake formal and detailed research studies of six distinctive handicraft traditions from the northeast for their conservation and advancement through scholarly research, considering their centuries-old existence. The research initiative for 2025-26, under the NHDP scheme, will examine Asharikandi terracotta (Dhubri), masks from Majuli and Sivasagar, Larnai pottery (Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya), Kauna craft (Manipur), cane and bamboo crafts (Tripura), and wood craft (Nagaland). The recently GI-tagged Asharikandi terracotta, traditional to Dhubri district's Asharikandi village in Assam, acknowledges its distinctive cultural significance and regional artistry. "Studying the terracotta craft of Asharikandi requires a multi-faceted methodology that combines ethnographic, archaeological, and socio-economic approaches," stated the revised proposal submitted to the DC (handicrafts), Union ministry of textiles, this week. The research will also document Assam's Majuli Mask (Mukha), a recently GI-tagged traditional craft from Majuli river island. "Both Majuli and Sivasagar are significant centres for this art form, though Majuli is more widely recognised," the proposal stated. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Invest Your Money on Cyprus and Get the Most out Of the Experience Cyprus Invest | Search Ads Undo "Studying Majuli and Sivasagar Mask involves a deep dive into its artistic, cultural, historical, and socio-economic dimensions, especially now that it received a GI tag (Majuli mask). A robust methodology would combine qualitative and quantitative approaches, primarily relying on ethnographic fieldwork," the proposal notes. The document suggests that systematic research would provide comprehensive insights into Majuli and Sivasagar mask, benefiting academic discourse, heritage preservation, and economic growth. Larnai pottery, receiving its GI tag in April 2024, represents the third GI-tagged craft for study. The proposal emphasises comprehensive research methods combining ethnographic studies, material culture analysis, and socio-economic context understanding. The traditional Kauna craft from Manipur involves weaving water reed (Kauna) into various items. "Kauna craft is more than just weaving; it's a reflection of Manipur's rich cultural identity, ecological harmony, and the enduring skill of its handicraft artisans," states the proposal. The document outlines a mixed-methods approach to study Kauna craft, aiming to understand its complete spectrum from raw materials to societal impact. Tripura's cane and bamboo craft, integral to its cultural heritage, provides substantial employment opportunities due to abundant raw materials. "Studying the cane and bamboo craft of Tripura requires a comprehensive methodology that encompasses the technical aspects of the craft, its socio-economic impact, cultural significance, and the role of govt and non-govt organisations in its promotion and preservation," the proposal reads. Regarding Nagaland's internationally recognised woodcarving traditions, the proposal notes their deep connection with tribal identity and beliefs. "Studying the wood craft of Nagaland is a rich and complex endeavour, as it's deeply intertwined with the diverse cultural, social, and spiritual lives of its various Naga tribes...," it concludes.
United News of India
25-07-2025
- Business
- United News of India
Rs1,480.71 cr released for handloom cottage industry in last five years: Minister Giriraj Singh
New Delhi, July 25 (UNI) According to the Fourth All India Handloom Census 2019-20, there are 31.45 lakh households across the country consisting of 35.22 lakh handloom weavers and allied workers in the country, Union Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh told the Rajya Sabha. 'For the development of handlooms and the well-being of weavers, the Ministry of Textiles is implementing two significant schemes - National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) and Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS). From 2020–21 to 2024–25, Rs1,516 crore was sanctioned and Rs1,480.71 crore was released under NHDP and RMSS,' the minister said in a written reply. He also stated that the handloom industry is still mostly unorganized and the Government does not offer direct employment to the weavers. Rather, traditional skill-based jobs still sustain livelihood in this industry. The government schemes provide monetary aid for procurement of raw materials, improved looms, solar lights, construction of worksheds, skill upgradation, innovation in product and design, marketing, concessional loan facility under the MUDRA scheme, and social security benefits. 'Impact assessments are carried out by the government before they extend or introduce new schemes. The schemes being implemented now were developed after third-party evaluations of earlier schemes and are from 2021-22 to 2025–26,' the minister said. UNI XC RN
The Hindu
13-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Ministry of Textiles engages experts to survey Uppada Jamdani saree weaving, aims to support handloom weavers in Andhra Pradesh
The Ministry of Textiles has engaged experts from the South Zone Weavers' Service Centre (WSC), Chennai, to conduct a fresh survey on the condition of Uppada Jamdani saree weaving and the socio-economic status of handloom weavers on the Uppada coast in Kakinada district. The Uppada Jamdani technique, registered under the Geographical Indications (GI) Registry in 2009, restricts production to the Uppada region. Noted for its double-sided motifs, the craft relies on the dexterity of young girls, whose sharp eyesight enables precise movement of yarn across warp and weft. In a release, Kakinada MP Tangella Uday Srinivas said: 'Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh has been briefed about the Uppada Jamdani craft. He has directed WSC-Chennai to assess the challenges faced by the weavers and other stakeholders.' Design & Development Focus 'The State has proposed ₹12 crore assistance under the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP), with ₹3 crore in matching funds. Mr. Giriraj Singh has assured support from the Centre after the WSC submits its report,' said Mr. Uday Srinivas. NHDP (2022–26) aims to strengthen the handloom sector through design innovation, raw material subsidies, and better market access. In Uppada, nearly 80% of weavers are women from the fishing community. Many traditional weavers have shifted roles to become master weavers, investing in Jamdani saree production. Cooperative Collapse The lone handloom cooperative in Uppada has halted saree production, citing a lack of active weavers. By 2022, only one weaver remained with the society. Currently, no Jamdani saree designer resides within the GI region, forcing master weavers to depend on local fisherfolk for motifs. The craft was earlier revived in the late 1980s by WSC-Vijayawada. 'Over 700 people involved in weaving will benefit if the Centre extends NHDP aid,' said Mr. Uday Srinivas. The future of the craft and its artisan community now hinges on the WSC's recommendations. From 2019 to 2024, the Andhra Pradesh government provided ₹24,000 annually to each handloom family operating a loom.
The Hindu
12-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Mangalagiri handloom sarees and fabrics: woven in tradition, draped in legacy
At the foothills of the sacred hill temple of Panakala Narasimha Swamy in the heritage town of Mangalagiri, now a part of Amaravati the capital city of Andhra Pradesh, threads of faith, tradition, and craftsmanship converge into something truly timeless — Mangalagiri handloom saree. For centuries, devotees visiting the shrine would descend the hill not just spiritually enriched but also with a tangible token of cultural reverence — a handwoven saree — purchased from local artisans as a sacred ritual and a statement of elegance. Today, this rich tradition has blossomed into an iconic textile legacy that has earned the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag and global acclaim. The Mangalagiri handloom sector — based in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh — is not just about fabric. It is a living chronicle of India's handloom heritage, a resilient community of artisans, and a testament to the cultural economy that weaves together identity and livelihood. Recognized under the Government of India's 'One District One Product' (ODOP) initiative, the Mangalagiri saree and other textiles stand as a proud symbol of India's craft-centric development model. The Legacy of the Loom The uniqueness of Mangalagiri textiles lies in their minimalist grandeur. Known for their fine cotton texture, striking borders and absence of embroidery in the body, these sarees exude a quiet sophistication. The hallmark of the weave is the Nizam border — a majestic zari-edged design marked by tiny temple gopurams — paired with elegant stripes or checks on the pallu. The designs speak volumes about the regional religious ethos, where devotion and design have long coexisted. It's not just sarees that emerge from these looms. Mangalagiri weavers produce a versatile range of products like salwar suits, dupattas, shirting fabrics, towels, bed linens and even mosquito nets. Cotton remains the preferred medium, giving the fabric a lightweight, breathable quality — perfect for India's climate. Guntur and Palnadu districts hosts 21 cooperative societies solely dedicated to Mangalagiri handlooms, supporting over 4,500 active weavers and nearly 5,000 ancillary workers, Assistant Director, Handlooms and Textiles, B. Udaya Kumar explains. The importance of these numbers is not just economic but deeply social — each loom supports families, preserves artistry, and upholds tradition. A Heritage Under Siege — and Rescued Despite their enduring appeal, the Mangalagiri weavers have faced numerous challenges over time. The proliferation of powerlooms, declining profits, and market competition had started to threaten the very survival of the handloom clusters and as a result the number of weavers also has been declining gradually. Recognizing this, both the Government of India and the Government of Andhra Pradesh intervened with focused policy measures. The National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) and Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) have provided a much-needed lifeline. Now, the Small Cluster Development Progamme (SCDP) under NHDP is also being implemented here. Covering 265 beneficiaries in Mangalagiri-1 cluster for their looms development under SCDP, government has sanctioned more than ₹91 lakh, with the GoI share as ₹87 lakh and GoAP contributing more than ₹4 lakh, Mr. Udaya Kumar explained. In fact, it is a part of the total amount of more than ₹2.09 crore sanctioned under the programme for five clusters in the State, including Trikoteswara in Bapatla district, Kalahasteeswara and Narayanavanam in Tirupati district, Chilakaluripet-1 in Palnadu district and the Mangalagiri-1 in Guntur district. The government is also providing special incentives for the female weavers. In addition to that the government is also ensured MUDRA loans to 161 beneficiaries to a tune of about ₹1.3 crore in Mangalagiri, he added. Under these schemes, the district has seen the construction of over 190 individual worksheds, distribution of hundreds of upgraded looms, and the creation of common facility centres. These physical spaces have not only improved productivity, but also restored dignity to the artisans who now work in safer, better-equipped environments near their homes. Design training has been another game-changer. The Andhra Pradesh government partnered with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Hyderabad and the National Institute of Design (NID), Guntur, to equip weavers with skills that blend traditional weaving with modern aesthetics. Over 400 individuals — weavers, designers, and cluster executives — have undergone this training, learning everything from colour theory and pattern drafting to marketing and e-commerce. 'This training helped the individuals to enhance their skills in understanding the traditional wisdom using skills, materials, tools and marketing approaches. As part of the programme they have been learning the fundamentals of design, specific textile and apparel methods, textile fibres, weave structures, surface design, dyeing techniques, colouration, printing methods, pattern making, draping and sewing techniques,' according to an official of the Textiles department. Meagre Earnings is a Cause of Concern Bitra Nageswara Rao, a 60-year-old handloom worker with an experience of about 45 years, said that they earn about ₹8,000 per month on an average in a year and the merchants pay ₹4,000 to ₹5,000 per four sarees. It takes a couple of days for each saree to be weaved. At the same time, the weavers have to spend more than ₹1,000 on other ancillary work like bundling the threads. After completing the four sarees, the worker will be left with only ₹3,000 for four sarees, he added. Mr. Nageswara Rao explained that they mix silk, cotton and zari to produce fine quality saree. He said that, even though the government provided some skill training in jacquard looms, many of the weavers could not adopt it due to the complexity involved. Meanwhile, Mr. Udaya Kumar said that to survive the weavers in Mangalagiri will have to adopt the jacquard looms and improve their skills like the weavers in Chirala, who have been producing the Kuppadam sarees, which command a higher price than Mangalagiri sarees because of their designs. Mangalagiri weavers also could produce more designs by going for the jacquard looms, he explained. Weaving into the Modern Economy What sets Mangalagiri apart is how it balances heritage with innovation. The sarees and fabrics are now being actively promoted at national and international exhibitions. From the Saamuhika Exhibition at A.P. Bhavan, New Delhi, to the Craft Bazaar in Navi Mumbai and the State Handloom Expo in Guntur, the district administration has ensured that these exquisite weaves get their rightful space in the spotlight. Retail channels too have undergone a revolution. Thanks to government-backed encouragement, many Mangalagiri weavers now market their products via e-commerce portals. This has opened up new revenue streams and eliminated exploitative middlemen from the equation. Financial inclusion has also been addressed. Schemes like MUDRA loans, Cash Credit, and DRDA/MEPMA loans have enabled more than 1,000 weavers to access capital for expanding operations or starting entrepreneurial ventures. From Local Threads to Global Recognition The district administration's efforts have culminated in Mangalagiri Sarees being one of the most compelling contenders for the ODOP Award, a national-level recognition for excellence in indigenous products. The proposal argues not only on the merit of cultural significance and design excellence, but also on the strength of institutional support, community upliftment, and economic impact. The symbolism of a Mangalagiri saree today is multilayered — it is a cloth of worship, a flag of sustainability, a badge of indigenous pride, and a product of tireless human craftsmanship. As India seeks to reimagine its rural economies through the lens of tradition, the Mangalagiri handloom sector offers a luminous example of how to do it right. From temple rituals to international runways, the journey of the Mangalagiri saree is a tapestry of belief, resilience, and brilliance. And as long as these looms continue to hum their melodic rhythm, the legacy of Mangalagiri will remain woven into the very fabric of Indian identity.
