Rs 364 crore disbursed for schemes to benefit handloom workers in FY25

The Central government has released over ₹364 crore in the current financial year (FY25) for schemes aimed at benefiting handloom workers across the country, the Parliament was informed on Monday.

Major Fund Allocations

Minister of State for Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, stated in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha that:

₹192.06 crore has been released under the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP).

₹171.98 crore has been disbursed under the Raw Material Supply Scheme for handloom workers.

He further highlighted that the Ministry of Textiles is implementing multiple schemes under the NHDP to enhance the welfare of handloom weavers and workers.

Key Welfare Measures

The government is providing various benefits to handloom workers, including:

Financial Assistance: ₹8,000 per month for awardee handloom workers above 60 years of age, provided they are in indigent circumstances with an annual income below ₹1 lakh.

Educational Support: Scholarships up to ₹2 lakh per annum for up to two children of handloom workers pursuing diploma, graduate, and post-graduate courses in government-funded textile institutions.

Social Security: Affordable insurance coverage under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) for protection against accidental and natural death or disability.

Support for the Handicrafts Sector

The Minister also noted that the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), under the Ministry of Textiles, is implementing two schemes:

National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP)

Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS)

These schemes provide financial assistance for marketing events, skill development, cluster formation, infrastructure, technology upgrades, research, branding, and direct benefits to artisans.

'Indie Haat' Initiative for Handloom Promotion

To further promote the handloom sector, the government has launched the 'Indie Haat' initiative, aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local campaigns. The initiative was showcased at Bharat Tex, India’s largest textile trade fair, providing a platform for Indian handicrafts and handloom products to reach international buyers from over 100 countries.