Government Allocates Rs 364 Crore for Handloom Workers' Initiatives in 2024-25: Minister
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Synopsis
On March 24, 2024, it was announced that the Central Government has allocated more than Rs 364 crore for handloom workers’ schemes in FY25. This funding aims to support various initiatives for the welfare of handloom workers across India.
Key Takeaways
- Rs 364 crore allocated for handloom workers.
- Support for the National Handloom Development Programme.
- Financial aid for senior handloom workers.
- Scholarships for children of handloom workers.
- Insurance schemes for social security.
New Delhi, March 24 (NationPress) The Central Government has allocated over Rs 364 crore in the current financial year (FY25) to support schemes aimed at handloom workers across the nation, as reported in Parliament on Monday.
A total of Rs 192.06 crore was earmarked for the National Handloom Development Programme, while Rs 171.98 crore was directed to the 'Raw Material Supply Scheme' benefiting handloom workers, as stated by the Minister of State for Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, in a written response to the Rajya Sabha.
The Minister further elaborated that the Ministry of Textiles is executing additional schemes under the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) to enhance the welfare of handloom weavers and workers nationwide.
These initiatives include financial assistance of Rs 8,000 per month for award-winning handloom workers aged over 60, who are in financially challenging situations with an annual income below Rs 1 lakh, along with scholarships reaching up to Rs 2 lakh per annum for the children of handloom workers (for up to two children) pursuing diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate studies in government-funded textile institutions.
The minister also mentioned the provision of universal and affordable social security in the event of natural or accidental death, as well as total or partial disability through insurance schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).
In response to a separate inquiry, the minister revealed that the office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), under the Ministry of Textiles, administers two schemes: the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) and the Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS), aimed at the holistic development and promotion of the handicrafts sector throughout the country.
These schemes offer targeted financial support to artisans, facilitating marketing events, skill development, cluster growth, establishment of producer companies, direct benefits to artisans, infrastructural and technological assistance, research and development support, digitalization, and branding, ultimately benefiting traditional crafts and artisans nationwide.
Additionally, the government has introduced the 'Indie Haat' initiative for the handloom sector, which aligns with the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the Vocal for Local campaigns. The 'Indie Haat' event was held during Bharat Tex, India’s largest textile trade fair, showcasing the finest Indian handicrafts and handloom products to visitors and exhibitors from over a hundred countries.
