Multiple Schemes Implemented For Welfare Of Handloom Weavers: MoS Textiles

New Delhi, Feb 6 (KNN) The Ministry of Textiles is implementing a range of schemes under the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) aimed at the welfare of handloom weavers and workers across the country, said Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita.

In written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, the Minister said that eligible awardee handloom weavers and workers above 60 years of age, living in indigent circumstances with an annual income below Rs 1 lakh, are provided financial assistance of Rs 8,000 per month.

The NHDP also offers scholarships of up to Rs 2 lakh per annum to the children of handloom weavers and workers, for up to two children, to pursue diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Central or State Government-recognised or funded textile institutions.

The Minister further stated that universal and affordable social security cover is being extended to handloom weavers through insurance schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, providing protection in cases of natural or accidental death as well as total or partial disability.

In addition to handloom-specific initiatives, the Ministry of Textiles is implementing several pan-India schemes for the overall development of the textile sector, including traders and weavers.

These include the PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks Scheme to create modern, integrated and world-class textile infrastructure, and the Production Linked Incentive Scheme focusing on man-made fibre apparel and technical textiles to boost large-scale manufacturing and competitiveness.

Other ongoing initiatives include the National Technical Textile Mission for research, innovation, market development, skilling and export promotion; Silk Samagra-2 for the comprehensive development of the sericulture value chain; and SAMARTH, which focuses on demand-driven, placement-oriented skill development in the textile sector.

(KNN Bureau)