Centre releases ₹364 crore for handloom schemes

New Delhi

The Centre has disbursed ₹364 crore in the 2024-25 financial year to support handloom workers, Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita informed Parliament on Monday. The funding includes ₹192.06 crore for the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) and ₹171.98 crore under the Raw Material Supply Scheme.

The Ministry of Textiles is implementing multiple initiatives under NHDP to aid handloom weavers. These include a monthly financial support of ₹8,000 for award-winning workers over 60 years old with an annual income below ₹1 lakh. Additionally, scholarships of up to ₹2 lakh per annum are being provided for up to two children of handloom workers pursuing diploma, graduate, or postgraduate studies in government-funded textile institutions.

The government is also offering social security under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) to provide financial protection in case of death or disability.

For the handicrafts sector, the office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) is implementing the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS). These programs offer financial assistance for marketing, skill development, cluster formation, and technological support.

To promote Indian handloom and handicrafts globally, the government launched the 'Indie Haat' initiative under the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local campaigns. The event was showcased at Bharat Tex, India's largest textile trade fair, attracting participants from over 100 countries.