Odisha CM announces special package for weavers

BHUBANESWAR: To help the weavers of the state whose business and income have been affected during Covid time, chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday announced a special package for them. Handloom sector is one of the employment generators in rural areas after agriculture.
The state has 31,342 loom pits for weaving purposes. Out of these, 15,071 loom pits have been concreted so far. Under this special package, 15,000 loom pits of the weavers will be converted into concrete in three years in a phased manner. The state government will spend Rs 7,000 for each loom pit.
Similarly, a total of 3000 weavers will get house-cum-work shed in the first phase under this package. So far 11,695 house-cum-work sheds have been provided by the state to the weaver families.
Normally family members assist main weavers or artists for the weaving and cottage industry. “The government will provide electric fans and bulbs to the weavers so that they can work for a longer period. Poor lighting may affect their eyesight, that’s why the government provides this lighting system to help them,” said a statement from the chief minister’s office.
The government has decided to provide houses to eligible weaver families on a priority basis. Beneficiaries will be chosen according to the guidelines of the Panchayati Raj department.
The state has put emphasis on assisting the weavers to get loans easily under this package. Naveen has directed the concerned officials to provide Rs 50,000 interest free loan to weavers.
Common facility centre (CFC), godown and market yard like infrastructure will be created at different places through the panchayati raj and drinking water department for storing and selling the products of the weavers.
“Lakhs of people depend on the handloom sector. There is a demand for handloom of Odisha outside the state. Weavers are showcasing the rich cultural heritage and tradition of the state in the world through their handloom,” said the official statement.
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