Action Plan to Improve the Livelihood of Rural Cobblers in the Telugu States

 Action Plan to Improve the Livelihood of Rural Cobblers in the Telugu States


Rural cobblers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, many of whom belong to marginalized communities, face significant socio-economic challenges. Enhancing their livelihood requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses skill development, market access, financial inclusion, and sustainable practices. Below is a detailed action plan to uplift their livelihoods and empower them economically.



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1. Skill Development and Training


Action Steps:


Introduce Tailored Training Programs:

Collaborate with institutions like FDDI and NSDC to create specialized training modules for cobblers, covering:


Modern footwear design techniques.


Use of advanced tools and machinery.


Quality assurance and finishing techniques.



Preserve and Promote Traditional Skills:

Document and teach traditional cobbling methods to create niche, high-value products that cater to premium markets.


On-Site Training Camps:

Conduct regular workshops in rural areas to minimize travel costs and make training accessible.



Expected Outcomes:


Improved productivity and craftsmanship.


Increased ability to produce high-quality, market-ready products.


Creation of unique, culturally rich footwear designs.




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2. Financial Inclusion and Support


Action Steps:


Microfinance Schemes:

Provide low-interest loans and grants through government schemes like the PM MUDRA Yojana to help cobblers:


Purchase quality raw materials.


Invest in advanced tools and equipment.



Subsidized Resource Centers:

Establish government-supported centers that offer subsidized leather, adhesives, and other materials.


Financial Literacy Programs:

Educate cobblers on managing finances, saving for business expansion, and utilizing government schemes.



Expected Outcomes:


Reduced dependence on high-interest informal loans.


Enhanced financial stability and reinvestment in businesses.


Greater access to quality materials, leading to better products.




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3. Market Access and Branding


Action Steps:


Create Cooperatives:

Form cobbler cooperatives to pool resources, negotiate better raw material prices, and market products collectively.


Develop a Unique Brand Identity:

Launch a brand emphasizing handcrafted, sustainable footwear from Telugu villages. Highlight eco-friendly practices and traditional craftsmanship.


E-Commerce Integration:

Partner with platforms like Amazon Karigar and Flipkart Samarth to sell products online, expanding market reach.


Organize Rural Footwear Exhibitions:

Showcase rural cobblers' work at regional, national, and international trade fairs.



Expected Outcomes:


Increased product visibility and demand.


Higher earnings through access to premium markets.


Stronger bargaining power in the supply chain.




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4. Infrastructure and Technology Support


Action Steps:


Set Up Common Facility Centers (CFCs):

Equip these centers with modern machinery, shared workspaces, and storage facilities.


Introduce Solar-Powered Workstations:

Provide cobblers with solar-powered tools to reduce energy costs and support eco-friendly production.


Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs):

Install ETPs in tanning units to ensure environmental compliance and reduce health risks.



Expected Outcomes:


Reduced production costs through shared resources.


Access to technology, improving efficiency and product quality.


Environmental sustainability and better health outcomes.




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5. Policy and Governance Support


Action Steps:


Launch Exclusive Schemes for Rural Cobblers:

Design government schemes focused on:


Financial incentives for eco-friendly practices.


Reserved quotas for cobbler products in public procurement.



Strengthen Social Security:

Provide access to insurance schemes, healthcare, and pensions under initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and PM Jan Dhan Yojana.


Advocate for Geographical Indication (GI) Tags:

Secure GI tags for traditional Telugu footwear styles to protect and promote local craftsmanship.



Expected Outcomes:


Policy-level recognition and support for cobblers.


Enhanced social security and reduced vulnerability to economic shocks.


Increased demand for GI-certified products.




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6. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices


Action Steps:


Promote Vegetable Tanning:

Train cobblers to use plant-based tanning agents, reducing chemical dependency.


Introduce Recyclable Materials:

Encourage the use of recycled and sustainable materials for footwear production.


Certify Sustainable Practices:

Develop a certification program for cobblers practicing eco-friendly production, increasing appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.



Expected Outcomes:


Environmentally sustainable production practices.


Enhanced marketability of eco-friendly products.


Reduced health hazards for cobblers.




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7. Community Empowerment and Inclusion


Action Steps:


Women Empowerment Programs:

Include women in cobbler cooperatives and provide them with skill training to diversify household income.


Youth Engagement:

Attract younger generations to the profession by introducing modern tools, training programs, and financial incentives.


Foster Leadership Development:

Train community leaders to represent cobbler interests in policy discussions and cooperative management.



Expected Outcomes:


Increased community participation in decision-making.


Diversification of income sources within families.


Preservation of cobbling as a viable and respected profession.




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Proposed Timeline


1. Short-Term (1-2 Years):


Conduct skill development workshops.


Launch financial literacy programs.


Establish initial cooperatives and CFCs.




2. Medium-Term (3-5 Years):


Expand e-commerce integration and branding.


Install solar-powered tools and ETPs.


Secure GI tags for traditional products.




3. Long-Term (5-10 Years):


Achieve widespread adoption of sustainable practices.


Transform Telugu cobbler cooperatives into national and international brands.


Ensure comprehensive policy support and social security coverage.






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Conclusion


Improving the livelihood of rural cobblers in the Telugu states requires a holistic approach that combines skill enhancement, infrastructure development, financial inclusion, and market access. By focusing on sustainability and community empowerment, this action plan offers a roadmap for cobblers to thrive economically while preserving their craft. As Prof. Arun Kumar Gaikwad states, "Empowering rural artisans is not just about economic upliftment; it is about preserving cultural heritage and creating a sustainable future for generations to come."



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Join the Movement


Let us collaborate to transform the lives of rural cobblers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Share your thoughts, ideas, or success stories to inspire collective action.


#RuralEmpowerment #CobblerCommunity #SustainableLivelihood #TeluguStates #ArtisanDevelopment


Authored by:

Prof. Arun Kumar Gaikwad

Chair, School of Fashion Design

FDDI Hyderabad




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