Ministry of Textiles to Launch Digital Handloom Atlas at 'GI & Beyond 2.0 Summit'

This initiative aligns with the broader government objective of leveraging e-governance to empower the informal sector. By integrating technology into the traditional textile industry, the Ministry is addressing the structural issues of information asymmetry and market fragmentation. The Atlas will provide potential investors and consumers with verified data on the origin, craftsmanship, and unique characteristics of Indian textiles, thereby enhancing the brand value of 'Made in India' products in the international market. Furthermore, this move is expected to provide a significant boost to the rural economy, fostering inclusive growth by ensuring that the benefits of globalization reach the grassroots level of the textile value chain. UPSC Relevance: This development is highly relevant for GS Paper II (Government policies and interventions) and GS Paper III (Inclusive growth and industrial policy). Aspirants can cite this as a case study of 'Digital Public Infrastructure' in the cultural and MSME sectors to answer questions on how technology can be used to formalize the informal economy and promote rural development. It also touches upon the preservation of India's intangible cultural heritage through modern digital tools.