Ritu Kumar concerned over changes to Handloom Reservation Act

Veteran designer Ritu Kumar, who has dedicatedly worked with Indian weavers to revive handloom techniques, is concerned about talks of a change in the Handloom Reservation Act. Implemented since 1985, the Act protects handloom weaves against machine-made and powerloom competitors duplicating their designs.

She feels that any changes to this Act in favour of powerloom weavers may adversely impact the business and livelihood of handloom weavers and their families. She fears that it may even lead to the end of handloom culture in India. Kumar recently showcased her capsule collection of revived vintage hand-block woven silk saris, which also endorsed the traditional weaving skills of Kolkata weavers.

Incepted in 1969, Ritu Kumar has three brands: Ri, a premium bridal and formal wear line, priced from Rs 15,000 onward, Ritu Kumar, a traditional pret brand offering ethnic wear and semiformal wear in the Rs 5,000 and above price bracket, and Label, a fashion pret line selling at Rs 2,000 and above.