How Have Over 14,000 Women Handloom Weavers Been Skilled Under the SAMARTH Scheme in the Last Three Years?
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Synopsis
The Ministry of Textiles has announced that over 14,000 women handloom weavers have been trained under the SAMARTH scheme in the past three years. This initiative is part of a broader effort to empower women and revive India's handloom heritage. Discover how these efforts are changing lives and preserving traditional crafts.
Key Takeaways
- Over 14,000 women handloom weavers trained in three years.
- The SAMARTH scheme focuses on women's empowerment in the textile sector.
- Financial assistance is provided for raw material and infrastructure.
- States like Assam and Kerala show significant participation.
- The initiative aims to revive India's handloom heritage.
New Delhi, Aug 8 (NationPress) In the spirit of celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Ministry of Textiles has reiterated its dedication to uplifting women handloom weavers through various central sector initiatives. In a recent statement to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita disclosed that more than 14,000 women weavers have received training under the SAMARTH scheme throughout the last three financial years (2022-23 to 2024-25).
The Ministry is executing programs like the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) and the Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS) to bolster the skills and livelihoods of handloom weavers, particularly women. Although these initiatives are designed to be inclusive, a 100% subsidy is specifically available for women weavers for the establishment of worksheds under the NHDP.
These programs offer financial support for acquiring raw materials, upgrading looms, solar lighting installations, skill enhancement, marketing assistance, technical infrastructure, and access to MUDRA loans. Furthermore, they include scholarships for the children of handloom workers and social security benefits.
Based on the statistics, Assam leads with 1,327 women weavers trained under SAMARTH, followed by Kerala (1,056), Tamil Nadu (1,027), and Maharashtra (1,027). Other states, including Odisha (727), Uttar Pradesh (727), Telangana (697), Manipur (579), Mizoram (498), Tripura (475), and Karnataka (474), also reported notable involvement.
The SAMARTH scheme, or the Scheme for Capacity Building in the Textile Sector, is a key initiative aimed at enhancing the skill set of the Indian textile workforce. It plays a vital role in helping traditional weavers, especially women, adapt to contemporary market demands through technical education and capacity enhancement.
The Ministry's initiatives are part of a larger effort to rejuvenate India's rich handloom legacy while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for female artisans.
Point of View
I view the Ministry's initiatives as a significant step towards gender equality and economic empowerment in the textile sector. By focusing on women's skills and livelihoods, we are not only enhancing our cultural heritage but also promoting sustainable development.
NationPress
03/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SAMARTH scheme?
The SAMARTH scheme aims to enhance the skill base of the Indian textile workforce, focusing on traditional weavers, especially women, through technical training and capacity building.
How many women weavers have been trained under the SAMARTH scheme?
Over 14,000 women weavers have been trained under the SAMARTH scheme in the last three financial years.
What support does the Ministry of Textiles provide to women weavers?
The Ministry provides financial assistance for raw materials, upgraded looms, skill development, marketing support, and social security coverage.
Which states have the highest number of trained women weavers?
Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra lead in the number of trained women weavers under the SAMARTH scheme.
What is the purpose of the NHDP?
The National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) aims to enhance the capabilities and livelihoods of handloom weavers.
