Lucknow, Jan 16 (KNN) The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to provide financial support to all those weavers in state who set up solar power plants to run their looms, a government statement said.

This move by the state government would allow looms to not entirely depend on conventional electricity supply and help weavers increase their profits as they will save on power cost. The Uttar Pradesh government will also provide special benefits to women weavers.

Arun Kumar Kuril, assistant commissioner of handloom and textile industries of Varanasi Zone, as quoted in the statement, said that the grants would be made available under the Chief Minister’s Weaver Solar Energy Scheme.

As per reports, the government will provide 50 per cent of the total cost of the solar plant. The remaining 50 per cent or additional amount will be borne by the beneficiary himself or by taking loan from the bank.

A total of 2, 50,000 power-loom units are running in Uttar Pradesh, through which 5, 50,000 weavers are earning their living.

UPNEDA has been made the executive body for the Chief Minister’s Weaver Solar Energy Scheme.  (KNN Bureau)