Govt steps in to rescue weavers

Patna: Chief minister Nitish Kumar initiated a slew of measures for development and welfare of handloom workers in the state, including rebate on sale of products and distribution of looms with 68-inch frame among the weavers. He iterated “full support” of the government for the people engaged in the sector.

He announced the construction of a Handloom and Silk Bhavan at Bhagalpur (famous as the silk city of the state) at Rs 13.64 crore, which will serve as a training, design and research centre for the sector.

“During one of my tours, I met weavers who told me that the looms they work on were of very less width, which made weaving difficult. I directed the industries department to provide them looms with 68-inch frame. I am happy that their distribution has started from today (Tuesday). Money to buy such looms will go directly to the bank accounts of the weavers,” Nitish said, while symbolically distributing five such wider looms. A list of 500 beneficiaries has also been issued as the beginning.

The chief minister was speaking at an event organised by the industries department to mark the National Handloom Day. Nitish said the state will now bear the premium that weavers have to give as their share for availing the benefits of Pradhanmantri Jivan Jyoti Bima Yojana.

Courtesy: The Telegraph