The Centre today said that it is providing end-to-end support for the development of the handloom sector and ensuring the welfare of handloom weavers and workers.

In a written reply to a question, in Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita informed that the Ministry of Textiles is implementing the National Handloom Development Programme and Raw Material Supply Scheme.

The Minister further added that financial assistance is being provided to eligible handloom agencies and weavers for procurement of upgraded looms & accessories, solar lighting units, construction of workshed and product and design development.

Mr. Margherita said that technical and common infrastructure, marketing support for handloom products in domestic and overseas markets, concessional loans under weavers’ MUDRA scheme and social security assistance are being provided.

The Minister added that under the Raw Material Supply Scheme, the Ministry provides transport subsidies for the transportation of yarn to the doorstep of the beneficiaries. He also added a 15 percent price subsidy on Cotton Hank yarn, Domestic Silk, Woollen, Linen yarn and blended yarn of natural fibres being provided to the beneficiaries.