New integrated weavers development scheme on cards for Bihar artisans

Patna, Aug 8 (KNN) For the overall development of state weavers, the Bihar government on Sunday announced a new integrated weavers development plan.

Addressing an event organised on the occasion of National Handloom Day, CM Nitish Kumar said that the proposed scheme would be a big step in the interest of weavers in order to free them from the hassle of going through different procedures for the benefit of different welfare schemes. “The benefits of a dozen small and big schemes will reach the weavers through the proposed inclusive scheme," he said.

“Under the 'Satrangi Chadar Yojana', handloom bedsheets were being used in the government hospitals and medical colleges. "Till now, about 7 lakh handloom bedsheets worth about Rs24.87 crore have been manufactured due to their use in the 'Santrangi Chadar Yojana' and that has helped the weavers financially," he added.

As per reports, the state government is likely to start using handloom fabrics for dressing the patients of government hospitals in the coming months. Provisions will also be made to give priority to products made of handloom textiles in the government offices.

Speaking about the upcoming scheme, Minister Syed Shahnawaz Hussain said “Industries department is constantly working on new schemes. It is going to bring a scheme for the upgradation of electric handlooms and fabrics with new designs.”

To promote local products, the state has also been organising exhibition-cum-fair of handloom and 'Made in Bihar' products outside the state so that the weavers of state get a bigger market.

Deputy CMs Tarkishore Prasad & Renu Devi and state's health minister Mangal Pandey were amongst those present at the event.  (KNN Bureau)