The Ministry of Textiles has unveiled a comprehensive suite of initiatives aimed at bolstering the handloom sector and improving the livelihoods of handloom workers across India.
Key components of the Ministry’s efforts include:
- National Handloom Development Programme: This program offers financial assistance to eligible handloom organisations and workers for various purposes, such as upgrading looms, constructing workshops, and developing new products and designs.
- Weavers’ MUDRA Loan/Concessional Credit Scheme: This scheme provides margin money assistance, interest subvention, and credit guarantees to individual weavers and handloom organisations.
- Welfare Measures: The Ministry has introduced welfare measures for handloom workers, including life and accidental insurance coverage, scholarships for their children, and financial support for elderly weavers in need.
- Raw Material Supply Scheme: This scheme offers transport subsidies and price subsidies on cotton, silk, woollen, and linen yarn to help weavers access raw materials more easily.
- Export Promotion: The Handloom Export Promotion Council is actively involved in organising international marketing events to showcase Indian handloom products globally.
- India Handloom Brand: The Ministry has launched the “India Handloom” brand to enhance the visibility and recognition of Indian handloom products.
- COVID-19 Relief: The Ministry has provided relief and credit support measures to help handloom workers and organisations recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Handloom Producer Companies: A total of 151 Handloom Producer Companies have been formed to improve productivity, marketing capabilities, and incomes for handloom weavers.
- Government e-Marketplace: Handloom weavers are being onboarded onto the Government e-Marketplace to facilitate direct sales to government departments and organisations.
By implementing these initiatives, the Ministry of Textiles is working to create a more sustainable and prosperous future for the handloom sector and its workers.
