About Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative (MGGSI):
- It was announced in the Union Budget 2026-27 to strengthen India’s traditional craft sectors.
- It is a major initiative to strengthen the khadi, handloom, and handicrafts sector by improving global market access, branding, and market linkages.
- It is aimed at making traditional rural industries more competitive while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for artisans and weavers.
- The programme mainly targets weavers, village industries, beneficiaries of the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, and rural youth, and MGGSI aims to address structural challenges.
- These include fragmented supply chains, inconsistent quality standards, and limited market connectivity.
- MGGSI encourages artisans to adopt modern production methods. This would be done while preserving traditional craftsmanship.
- The initiative also focuses on improving market access by better branding and marketing to enable artisans to reach organised retail, export markets, and online platforms.
- It aligns with the “Vocal for Local” philosophy and efforts to strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
- By reinforcing traditional industries, the initiative seeks to generate sustainable employment, reduce rural distress, and promote locally produced goods, thereby aligning with the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
