New Delhi: The ban on single-use plastic and subsequent strict action being initiated by the civic bodies for compliance with the order, the jute and cloth bags have started making their way in the markets. This move brings gain for the cloth and jute bag manufacturers, and centered on this fact, the Apparel Made-Ups and Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC) recently launched an online free skill training programme, ‘Apne Ghar Se Kare Silayi Ka Prashikaran’ for giving training on bag making skills supporting ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsva’ initiative by the Central Government. This programme is open for all women candidates who want to learn basic stitching from their home premises. The programme is conducted by an industry expert from the apparel sector.
The training module is planned to be covered in 4 days period (two hours session each day). The Council is getting good response to this initiative and is planning to continue with such initiatives in the near future. Apart from bag making (with zipper, w/o zipper), the training will be given on mask making (2 – 3 Styles), apron making (with, w/o pockets), baby nappies (Two-Three styles), kurta making, pajamas/ plazo making, kurti making and frock making, as these are the basic garments in most of the households.
Dr Roopak Vasishtha, CEO AMHSSC said that: “The government is phasing out single use plastic (SUP) gradually and is promoting eco-friendly products and the primary focus has shifted to cotton bags for wholesale and retail markets. This move will not only be greatly effective in reducing big plastic waste but also open plethora of opportunities for apparel manufacturers in the carry bag space. The demand is expected to be huge for plastic substitutes not only in India but also across the world”.
The data from IJMA shows that the value of jute handbags/ cloth shopping bags went up to Rs 820.36 crore in FY 22 from Rs 321.61 crore in FY 16. In order to make the most from the current scenario, the Council launched a training module for Women’s batch so that they can enhance their basic knowledge of stitching and become self-reliant. These Participants, on successful completion of the training modules, will be further connected with the apparel manufacturing units for better opportunities. The participants would be skilled to start stitching their own apparel and would also help those willing to start their own business.
This is yet another gift from the Govt of India, under ‘Skill India Mission’ for the masses.
