Inside a Rampur Workshop Supplying Burkhas Across UP and Uttarakhand
A family tailoring legacy becomes a regional supply business across Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, aided by a state entrepreneurship scheme.
In Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, Zeeshan Khan has turned a family craft into a steady burkha manufacturing enterprise, supplying retailers across Bareilly, Moradabad, Baheri, and Budaun, and Uttarakhand’s Rudrapur and Haldwani.
The founder-owner, who operates his unit from the Talamullah Aram area of Rampur, credits a state-backed loan under the Chief Minister’s Yuva Udyami Vikas scheme for helping formalise operations and handle rising orders, a shift he describes as the difference between taking two orders from a city and confidently accepting four.
From family craft to formal enterprise
The journey began at a relative’s tailoring shop, where he learnt cutting, stitching and finishing by observation and daily practice. After his uncle, a seasoned tailor, passed away, he set up his own unit at the current address and kept the craft alive. He started lean with two helpers, later adding a specialist cutting master.
Over time, the team expanded, and his own role moved from the sewing machine to sourcing, sales and delivery. Today, he spends most days in the market, collecting orders, fulfilling them, and ensuring payments move smoothly, while also attending to walk-in customers at the shop.
Building a market across districts
Demand grew organically through word of mouth and consistent fulfilment. According to him, the unit supplies a network of retailers in western Uttar Pradesh and the Kumaon belt of Uttarakhand.
The focus is on dependable turnaround, consistent sizing and sturdy stitching, factors that keep repeat orders flowing. He says the enterprise is small but nimble, able to adjust runs and styles based on retailer feedback without carrying heavy inventory.
How is a burkha made at this workshop
Fabric is sourced largely from Bareilly. Once it reaches Rampur, artisans undertake handwork as required, followed by cutting under a master cutter. The pieces move to stitching, then pressing, and finally packing. Finished lots are labelled and handed over to transport partners for dispatch to partner stores.
The founder-owner notes that this simple, linear flow keeps rework low and quality checks visible at each step.
A loan that unlocked growth
As orders increased, working capital needs rose, and the unit required better equipment and more hands. He learnt about the Chief Minister’s Yuva Udyami programme through local contacts and bankers, and applied.
He says the loan was sanctioned, monthly repayments have begun, and the infusion has stabilised cash flow. With financing in place, he has widened the product range within burkhas, increased batch sizes for repeat clients, and shortened delivery cycles.
What lies ahead
The immediate priority is to deepen distribution in existing cities, while adding a few new markets where retailer interest is strong. Hiring and training more cutters and stitchers is on the cards, along with tighter process controls to keep quality consistent at scale.
He also urges other young entrepreneurs to explore government schemes, noting that formal credit can turn a livelihood into a business. In his words, when small enterprises grow, employment follows, and the country progresses.
What is CM YUVA Scheme?
Under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath Ji, the state government aims to transform youth from job seekers into job creators.
To achieve this vision, the Directorate of Industries and Enterprise Promotion, under the Department of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and Export Promotion, is implementing the ‘Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan’ (CM YUVA) Yojana.
Under this scheme, young entrepreneurs are provided with up to Rs 5 lakh in 100% interest-free and collateral-free loans to start their industrial or service-based ventures. In addition, beneficiaries also receive a 10% margin money subsidy on the project cost.
CM YUVA is not just a financial assistance scheme; it also provides mentorship, guidance, market access, and essential resources to help youth become self-reliant entrepreneurs and generate employment opportunities for others.
Click here to know more about the CM YUVA Scheme.