Planning strategies for the development of weaving clusters in Gaya, Bihar

Abstract

Industries play a very significant role in the economic development of any country, region as well as cities, which shapes our society and its progress, particularly towards urbanization and modernization. Weaving industry is one the leading industries having role in improving the economy of any place. The development of weaving industry is not based on human resource and their skill alone but also based on several other factors such as, education, infrastructures, technology, banking and finance etc. Till date, lack of spatial planning strategies in India has been responsible for the depression of weaving clusters. The study seeks to analyse the spatial models of weaving clusters with its different factors and it also traces the socio-economic development of weavers, which will able to formulate the planning strategies for the development of weaving clusters and weavers. Gaya district in the state of Bihar is chosen as the study area. Weaving clusters (Handloom and powerloom industry) in Gaya district generates the highest employment to the urban and rural people of Gaya district. 12 different handloom and powerloom cluster, in which three clusters having handloom and powerloom both are in urban area and the rest have handloom only exists in rural area of Gaya district have been studied through spatial cluster model and on the basis of different factors important for growth and development of weaving clusters. Then three clusters (two from urban area and one from rural area) are prioritized for further detail analysis as well as socio-economic analysis of weavers through statistical model. The powerloom and handlooms industries are undoubtly better suited for the economic development of Gaya district, since it has huge potential for job creation and development of rural and peri-urban areas. But, weaving industries of Gaya district is in depression due to various problems, such as land scarcity, high cost of raw material, lack of institutional support, low productivity, lack of technology and management, scarcity of land etc. Also, the major economic benefit of weaving is only in few hands (master weaver). Apart from these, the growth of powerloom in place of handloom has been a major concern. However, powreloom shares highest percentage in production of clothes in comparison to handloom and mill sector. So, the proposed planning strategies will be helpful in growth of weaving clusters in an organised manner, particularly power loom industry emphasized.