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Key Points

The Textiles Ministry has trained over 14,000 women handloom weavers under the SAMARTH scheme in the last three years. Assam, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu reported the highest participation. Women receive exclusive subsidies for worksheds under NHDP. The initiative aims to modernize traditional weaving while empowering female artisans.

Key Points: 14,000 Women Weavers Skilled Under SAMARTH Scheme in 3 Years

  • Over 14,000 women trained under SAMARTH scheme since 2022
  • Assam leads with 1,327 skilled weavers
  • 100% subsidy for women’s worksheds under NHDP
  • Schemes include raw material aid & MUDRA loans
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Over 14,000 women handloom weavers skilled under SAMARTH scheme in last three years

Over 14,000 women handloom weavers trained under SAMARTH scheme, with Assam leading in participation. Govt offers subsidies & skill development.

"A 100% subsidy is provided exclusively to women weavers for worksheds under NHDP. – Pabitra Margherita, MoS Textiles"

New Delhi, Aug 8

As part of the ongoing celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Ministry of Textiles has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women handloom weavers through various central sector schemes.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita shared that over 14,000 women weavers have been trained under the SAMARTH scheme across the country in the past three financial years (2022-23 to 2024-25).

The Ministry is implementing schemes such as the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) and the Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS) to enhance the capabilities and livelihoods of handloom weavers, including women. While these schemes are gender-neutral, a 100 per cent subsidy is provided exclusively to women weavers for the construction of worksheds under NHDP.

The schemes provide financial assistance for raw material procurement, upgraded looms, solar lighting units, skill development, marketing support, technical infrastructure, and access to MUDRA loans. Scholarships for children of handloom workers and social security coverage are also included.

According to the data, Assam topped the list with 1,327 women weavers skilled under SAMARTH, followed by Kerala (1,056), Tamil Nadu (1,027), and Maharashtra (1,027). Other states like Odisha (727), Uttar Pradesh (727), Telangana (697), Manipur (579), Mizoram (498), Tripura (475), Karnataka (474), amongst others, also reported significant participation.

The SAMARTH scheme (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector) is a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening the skill base of the Indian textile workforce. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that traditional weavers, especially women, adapt to modern demands through technical training and capacity building.

The Ministry’s efforts are part of a broader push to revive India’s rich handloom heritage while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for women artisans.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see Assam leading in numbers. Our North-East has such rich weaving traditions that often go unnoticed. Hope these schemes reach more remote areas too.
A
Ananya R
While the numbers look impressive, I hope there's proper monitoring of how these benefits actually reach the weavers. Sometimes middlemen take advantage of such schemes. The government should ensure direct benefit transfer.
S
Sarah B
As someone who works with artisan communities, I can say the solar lighting units and upgraded looms make a huge difference in productivity. Small interventions can transform lives!
K
Karthik V
The 100% subsidy for worksheds is a game-changer for women weavers. Many work from home in difficult conditions. This will help them establish proper workspaces and increase earnings.
M
Meera T
We need more marketing support for these artisans. Training is good but without proper market linkages, their beautiful products don't reach urban consumers who would pay good prices.
V
Vikram M
Great to see the focus on both traditional skills and modern adaptation. Our weavers need to learn digital marketing along with their craft to survive in today's world. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

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