The Indian cottage industry is termed as one of the most vibrant and creative cottage industry in the entire world. The quality of the product and the price make them as one of the most looked after products. Be it the Indian handloom industry or the wood work from the tribal people, everyone has carved a niche for themselves. This article would try to highlight the driving force and the obstructions in these fields.

Right from those knitting patterns hats to the sculptors of wood the most distinctive feature of these artworks is the unique creativity and vibrant colourswhich make them stand apart in the lot. As a result they are bound to catch the attention of the tourists. Next equally important point is their cost. You can easily get those knitting patterns hats made of bamboo sticks and coconut bristles at ten to fifteen rupees. This is a zilch for the visitors and foreigners. The combination of creativity and low pricing, the industry is never short of the buyers. The people look for something artistic at a reasonable price and I think any art lover would be ready to buy these articles at such a low cost. The Indian cottage industry has a perfect combination of both. The Indian cottage industry is never short of workforce. Hence the cost is always reasonable. These are few of the reasons that act as a catalyst for the progress of cottage industries.

Now let us look at the obstacles. First is the lack of necessary infrastructure. The ever increasing competition and the automation of the industry produce a stiff challenge for such industries. The absence of infrastructure makes the Indian cottage industry lag behind. Adding to the problem is the lack of interest to carry these heritages forward by the current generations. The increasing impact of the western influence and the education is rapidly leading the young generations adopt western lifestyle. In the absence of proper driving force and infrastructure, the young people don't want to pursue these skillset and professions. Another aspect is the exploitation by the middle men. Due to lack of education and knowledge the workers are exploited a lot. Hence they don't get the return which they should actually get.

These are few reasons for the so called rifts in the progress of the Indian cottage industry. The time is right for the government to push forward and encourage these industries before they are led to extinction. Provide these industries with proper incentives. Provide education to the workers from such industries. Provide coverage and security to them. Provide proper infrastructure for the development of such industries. Until their motive is noble and the will is there, the policies are going to do no good for these industries. Let them have their share of profit and facilities and once again these industries will bloom.