The Impact of Skilled Labor Shortage on Rajasthan’s Handicraft Industry: An Economic Analysis

Rajasthan’s handicraft industry, a cornerstone of cultural heritage and rural livelihoods, is increasingly threatened by an acute shortage of skilled labour. This study investigates the structural and economic factors behind this deficit and its implications for the sector’s sustainability. Drawing on secondary data from government reports, economic surveys, and industry analyses, supplemented with qualitative insights from artisan enterprises, the research highlights how demographic shifts, generational disinterest, rising input costs, and the lure of higher-paying service sector jobs are reshaping artisanal labour markets. The findings demonstrate that the shortage of skilled artisans not only constrains production capacity and inflates costs but also jeopardizes the global competitiveness and cultural continuity of Rajasthan’s crafts. By situating these challenges within the broader discourse on labour market dynamics and cultural economies, the paper underscores the urgent need for targeted policy interventions, vocational training, and support mechanisms to safeguard both livelihoods and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage.