New Delhi, Jan 4 (KNN) “BunkarMitra”, the Government of India’s Helpline for Handloom Weavers, went live today. The helpline provides a single point of contact to handloom weavers across the country for addressing queries and providing guidance. 

The helpline was launched by the Union Textiles Minister Smriti Zubin Irani on December 25, 2016 on the occasion of “Good Governance Day”.

Interacting with an official of the call centre housing the helpline agents, the Minister said that the helpline is a great mix of technology, youth and tradition.

She told the officials of the Ministry to monitor issues on which maximum complaints are received, so that corrective actions can be taken accordingly.

Irani congratulated the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) and appreciated the time-bound manner in which the helpline is designed to address to respond to weavers’ queries and grievances.

This helpline can be accessed by dialing the toll free number 1800-208-9988. Weavers can call from anywhere in India, from any number. The service is available from 10.00 A.M to 06.00 P.M, on all 7 days of the week, in seven languages: Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Kannada and Assamese.

The following services are available through this helpline:

• Assistance on technical issues.
• Guidance for:
• Raw material supply.
• Availing credit facility.
• Quality control.
• Access to marketing linkages.
• Information about various schemes and procedure to avail benefits.

(PIB Inputs)