Gujarat’s New Cottage and Rural Industries Policy 2024: Key Highlights

The Government of Gujarat has launched a transformative Cottage and Rural Industries Policy 2024, aiming to revitalize the rural economy by empowering artisans and small-scale entrepreneurs. With ambitious goals to create 12 lakh jobs, boost handicraft exports to ₹1,500 crore, and enhance market access, this policy marks a significant step toward promoting “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India).

Objective of the Policy

The Cottage and Rural Industries Policy is designed to:

• Support artisans with enhanced loans and subsidies.
• Provide better infrastructure, skill development, and market access.
• Promote innovation and technology upgrades in rural industries.
• Foster a self-sustaining ecosystem for handicrafts and handlooms.

Key Features of Gujarat’s Cottage and Rural Industries Policy 2024

1. Loan and Subsidy Enhancements

To encourage entrepreneurship and industrial growth, the government has introduced:

• Increased Loan Limits: The maximum loan amount under the scheme has risen from ₹8 lakh to ₹25 lakh.
• Higher Subsidies: Subsidies have been enhanced from ₹1.25 lakh to ₹3.75 lakh for eligible artisans and businesses.
• Special Provisions for Artisans: Under the Dattopant Thengadi Artisan Interest Subsidy Scheme, the loan limit for handloom and handicraft artisans has increased from ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakh.

These measures are expected to generate 3.3 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities over the next five years.

2. Artisan Support and Skill Development

• Training programs will target 60,000 micro-entrepreneurs to enhance their skills.
• Artisan Census: A comprehensive survey will identify potential beneficiaries for targeted support.
• Encouragement for obtaining Geographical Indication (GI) tags to protect artisans’ intellectual property rights.

3. Market Expansion Initiatives

• One District, One Product (ODOP): Aims to involve 10,000 beneficiaries to showcase unique local products.
• Construction of ‘PM Ekta Mall’ in Surat at a cost of ₹280 crore to provide artisans with dormitories and marketing spaces.
• Registration of 5,000 artisans and entrepreneurs on e-commerce platforms to enhance nationwide and global sales.
• Export incentives for 2,500 artisans, focusing on promoting handloom and handicraft products internationally.

Impact on Handloom and Handicraft Industries

Currently, Gujarat’s artisans generate ₹460 crore annually from handicrafts and handloom products. The new policy aims to increase this to ₹1,500 crore in five years through:

• Better market access.
• Enhanced credit facilities.
• Integration with national and international platforms.

Why This Policy Matters for Competitive Exams

For students preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, State PSCs, and Banking, understanding Gujarat’s Cottage and Rural Industries Policy is crucial:

• Economic Impact: Highlights Gujarat’s role in empowering rural industries and contributing to India’s GDP.
• Employment Generation: The policy’s focus on creating 12 lakh jobs is a significant point for questions on employment trends.
• E-Governance and Innovation: Use of digital platforms for artisans reflects India’s move toward a digital economy.
• Cultural and Economic Integration: Promotes traditional crafts while boosting exports, aligning with “Vocal for Local” initiatives.

Conclusion

The Cottage and Rural Industries Policy 2024 is a bold step by the Gujarat government to uplift rural artisans and entrepreneurs. By enhancing access to loans, subsidies, and markets, the policy not only preserves India’s rich cultural heritage but also aligns with modern economic strategies.

Students and aspirants should study this policy as a key example of state-level innovation, employment generation, and rural empowerment for their competitive exam preparation.