Gujarat’s Local Artisans Empower ‘Self-Reliant India’ Vision

The Gujarat government, under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, is strongly promoting the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative by providing a significant platform for local artisans and craftsmen. This effort aims to strengthen the skills of these artisans and support the sale of their products.

The true success of the ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Swadeshi’ campaigns lies in encouraging the talent of local craftsmen and offering them wider opportunities to showcase and sell their work.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, departments such as the Cottage and Rural Industries Department, Gujarat State Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation, Garvi Gurjari, and Industrial Extension Cottage Organisation are making serious efforts in this direction. These organisations are not only empowering artisans from villages and small towns by providing training and financial assistance but also helping in marketing their products.

Artisan Gayatri Parmar highlighted that women receive training related to handloom and handicraft, along with financial support.

Dakshaben Rami from Ambaji in Banaskantha district has gained new recognition through the state government’s initiatives. Dakshaben brings the idea of ‘west to best’ to life by creating Ganpati idols and other attractive items from coconut fibers collected at Ambaji temple. Her cooperative, Nandanvan Mahila Adivasi Group Industrial Cooperative Society, stands as a strong example of women’s empowerment and self-reliance. So far, this organisation has trained 25,000 to 30,000 women, significantly strengthening the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign.

Dakshaben Rami said they are working earnestly to fulfil the objectives of the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign.

Rajiben Vankar, a weaver from Avadhnagar village in Bhuj taluka of Kutch, has been engaged in weaving for many years. Inspired by government cleanliness and environmental protection missions, she creates bags, mats, seats, and stools from waste plastic. Rajiben has made 22 villages plastic-free and provided employment to about 150 women. Under state government schemes, she has received financial assistance to expand her business and access to platforms for selling her products.

Rajiben Vankar praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, stating that government schemes have been beneficial for her craft.

To promote the Swadeshi campaign and support the rural economy, the state government is providing artisans with opportunities to participate in fairs and exhibitions across the country. In 2025-26, 5,306 artisans and 1,840 women craftsmen found employment through 49 such events. Additionally, over 74,000 identity cards have been issued to state artisans, with more than 50,000 cards given to women artisans.

Dr. Sanjay Joshi, Executive Director (INDEXT-C), stated that exhibitions held nationwide provide a significant platform for artisans.

Guided by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Gujarat government remains committed to offering local handicraft artisans platforms to sell their products. These initiatives have steadily increased the participation of local artisans and women craftsmen in the handloom and handicraft sectors, bringing the vision of ‘Self-Reliant Gujarat to Self-Reliant India’ closer to reality.