The Centre has launched India Handlooms, a brand to promote handloom products and weavers of Odisha, with special emphasis on quality, zero defect and zero impact on the environment. Handloom products such as Bomkai, Kotpad, Baluchari, Muga Silk, Khandua, Berhampuri, Orissa Ikats have been included under the India Handlooms brand.
Weavers, co-operative societies, retailers, and exporters involved in the making of handloom items can seek registration for their products under this brand. The new products will be included under the brand post their on-site verification by a team of experts nominated by the Development Commissioner for Handlooms. The products will be assessed on factors such as yarns count; construction of the product, fibre content – cotton, silk, pashmina and wool; colour fastness; usage of natural dyes, type of zari. Adherence to labour laws such as zero use of child labour, environment protection and pollution check will also be considered.