Ericsson evangelists handloom weavers' cluster in UP

The initiative 'Baank-e-Loom' in partnership with Digital Empowerment Foundation envisages digital development of the handloom cluster in Barabanki

Global technology major Ericsson on Monday announced the launch of its handloom weavers' social initiative in Uttar Pradesh.

The initiative 'Baank-e-Loom' in partnership with Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) envisages digital development of the handloom cluster in Barabanki district adjoining the Uttar Pradesh capital.

Through digital integration of traditional skills, Ericsson India aims to empower traditional artisans in embracing new technologies, designs and scaling up weaving methods by employing Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools in marketing and sales.

The project involves application of ICT and other digital tools in aspects of cluster development, thereby ensuring sustainable livelihood for the workers, especially youth.

Barabanki handloom community, estimated at 50,000, is beset with challenges such as lack of information, inability to market products profitably and direct access to market.

Under the initiative, the local weavers would be offered ICT training to help better market their products. An e-commerce portal would also be set-up to sell their finished goods.

"Baank-e-Loom initiative aims to promote inclusive growth and development of the Barabanki handloom community," Ericsson India vice president and head, (Technology, Government & Industry Relations, Sustainability & Corp Responsibility) Manoj Dawane said here.

DEF Founder & Director Osama Manzar informed the plan was to touch the lives of 1,500 handloom weavers in Barabanki and scale up in later stages.

He noted the 'Baank-e-Loom' model could be replicated in all the 470 handloom clusters of India.

Founded in 1876, Ericsson is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. Almost 40% of the global mobile traffic is carried over Ericsson networks.