12.12.2025

Shilp Didi Programme

Context

The Union Textiles Secretary announced that the Shilp Didi Programme has significantly boosted women artisans’ income, with some earning over ₹5 lakh. The initiative is part of the government's focus on empowering women artisans, strengthening village economies, and promoting the 'Lakhpati Didi' vision.

About Shilp Didi Programme

What it is?

A government initiative to economically empower women artisans ("Shilp Didis") by providing them with comprehensive support across the value chain:

1. Training & Skill Upgradation
2. Digital Literacy & Business Skills
3. Market Access (both physical and digital)

Key Details

• Launched In: 2024 (A 100-day pilot phase began in June 2024).
• Implemented By: Ministry of Textiles, through the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).
• Aim: To make women artisans financially independent, improve their design and business skills, and help them leverage modern marketing and entrepreneurship tools, thereby generating employment for others.

Key Features

The programme provides a 360-degree support system for the artisans .

• Capacity Building & Training:
  • E-training modules focusing on entrepreneurship development, regulatory compliance, social media utilisation, and e-commerce onboarding.
  • Capacity-building through National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) clusters, often involving support from the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).
• Market Linkages:
  • E-commerce integration for nationwide and global visibility and sales (e.g., through platforms like IndieHaat).
  • Physical Marketing Opportunities via Shilp Didi Mahotsav (like the one held at Dilli Haat, INA), craft fairs, and curated exhibitions for direct buyer interaction and export orders.
• Scope:
  • Baseline inclusion of 100 women artisans (Shilp Didis) from 72 districts across 23 states in the pilot phase.
  • Covers 30 diverse handicrafts including textiles, pottery, metal crafts, embroidery, and jewellery design, reflecting India's rich craft heritage.

Significance

• Economic Empowerment: Provides sustainable livelihoods and significantly boosts rural/non-farm incomes, supporting the broader goal of creating 'Lakhpati Didis'.
• Micro-Entrepreneurship: Strengthens micro-entrepreneurship among women, enabling them to become job creators and community leaders.
• Digital Inclusion: Enhances digital inclusion as artisans learn to use social media and e-commerce to expand their markets far beyond local boundaries, leading to increased exports and customer base.
• Cultural Preservation: Supports the preservation of India's traditional craft heritage by linking skills with modern market demands.

Conclusion

The Shilp Didi Programme has proven to be a transformative movement that goes beyond financial support, actively building an ecosystem for women's craft-based entrepreneurship. By integrating traditional skills with modern marketing and digital technology, the initiative successfully strengthens village economies and propels Indian handmade traditions from local to global markets. This model of empowerment is central to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and is crucial for achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat by establishing women as self-reliant creators, employers, and community leaders.