On the occasion of 75th Independence Day, HCL Foundation (HCLF), the CSR arm of HCL Technologies, virtually launched the ‘My E-Haat’ online portal to strengthen the Handicraft sector in India.
Through this special initiative, HCLF aims to implement a holistic strategy encompassing backward integration as well as forward linkages. This will strengthen the Handicraft industry and promote local products by keeping artisans and primary producers at its core.
‘My E-Haat dot in portal will enable artisans and primary producers to list and showcase their products to conduct their business, thereby minimizing the informal intermediaries and often long supply chains.
The platform will offer e-payment options, Cash on Delivery (COD), and integrated logistic support in addition to real-time product tracking. The platform will also provide options for quality check mechanism, price determination, promotion, marketing, and grievance redressal, hand holding on procurement of raw material, product designing & training, financial inclusion, and market connect.
The initiative will engage artisans and primary producers with skill-building opportunities, create market linkages and establish linkages with Government Social Security schemes & Entitlements.
The portal will also serve as a platform to educate the beneficiaries with adequate market-driven knowledge including technical and non-technical aspects to improve their products, in terms of designing, packaging, nurture entrepreneurial talent, and augur market knowledge.
‘My E-Haat’ initiative will also empower the skilled artisans and bring them to the forefront to share their stories and knowledge.
Currently, ‘My E-Haat’ has over 30 partners from 8 states of India with more than 600 products listed and many more partners/artisans will be joining from across the country by the end of the year.
Nidhi Pundhir, Director, HCL Foundation says, “HCL Foundation is committed to bringing a positive change in the communities through its sustainable interventions. We are elated to launch the My E-Haat initiative, which will not only promote a unique space for Corporate – NGO – Government – Artisan partnership but will also assist the talented workforce to create an alternate source of sustainable income.”
“My E-Haat initiative will be a unique model (A2C) where Artisans will connect with the Customer directly in the coming years. My E-Haat portal will assist in showcasing the ingenuity of skilled artisans from all over the country in front of the globe, resulting in increased recognition, appreciation, and remuneration. HCL Foundation hopes to connect with a larger number of artisans and primary producers across the country in the coming years, bridging the gap created by a lack of skill training, market assessment, and strengthening the supply chain infrastructure.”, she added.
The textile industry occupies an important position in our country. Indian Textile sector is the sixth largest exporter of Textiles and Apparels in the world. Its share in mercantile exports is 12% and is the second largest employment generator after agriculture. Ministry of Textiles has undertaken various important initiatives to boost India’s growth in the textile sector in the year 2020.
The details of export of handlooms during last 2 years and current FY year is as below:
| Financial Year | INR in Cr. | USD in mn. |
| 2018-19 | 2392.39 | 343.43 |
| 2019-20 | 2248.33 | 315.62 |
| 2020-21 (Upto November, 2020) | 983.60 | 132.14 |
The cumulative value of exports of handicrafts and handmade carpets during April- December 2020-21 stood at Rs. 25,213 crore (US$ 3379.73 million).
| S.No | Financial Year | Export (in Cr.) |
| 2018-19 | 37914.00 | |
| 2019-20 | 37069.00 | |
| 2020-21 (April-December) | 25213.00 |
