Conflicting Policy Perspectives on Handicrafts Industry in Post Independent India

Abstract

Handicrafts industry comprises diversified artistic and decorative products portfolio with its large variety and contributes significantly to the national economy by way of both exports and employment generation. The decline of productions of Handicrafts items that started during the British Role continued even in the independent India for lack of adequate support and the invasion of the machine made goods even in the rural areas. The conflicting policies in India’s handicrafts sector can be traced well right from the beginning of the Post Independence Period, which fettered its growth causing loss to human creativity, employments, earnings and exports.  Objectives - To investigate the historical perspective of Indian handicrafts during the Pre-British Period, the Period of Colonial Rule and the Post Independence Period.  To assess the growth potential of handicrafts, its Problems and to find out the steps taken to promote the sector. Methodology - The present work is a diagnostic study. The sources of data are secondary sources obtained various journals, reports and websites. Data Analysis - The data obtained are processed, interpreted and analysed through numerical calculations and graphically.   Conclusion-Handicrafts sector offers enormous prospects for increasing the opportunities for income and employments and plays an important role in the economic development.