The government has shown its continued support for the handloom sector by increasing financial allocations under the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP). In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today on March 24, 2025, Minister of State for Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, stated that Rs 186.36 crore was allocated for the scheme in the financial year 2023-24. For the current financial year 2024-25, Rs 192.06 crore has been released as of March 17, 2025
Similarly, the allocation for the Raw Material Supply Scheme increased from Rs 159.72 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 171.98 crore in 2024-25, reflecting the government’s focus on ensuring the availability of essential raw materials to handloom weavers.
The NHDP, implemented by the Ministry of Textiles, is designed to uplift the socio-economic conditions of handloom weavers and workers by providing financial aid and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
According to the 4th All India Handloom Census 2019-20, there are 35,22,512 handloom weavers and workers in the country, including 1,690 in Puducherry.
To support their livelihoods, the scheme offers financial assistance of Rs 8,000 per month to award-winning weavers and workers over 60 years of age in indigent circumstances, with an annual income below Rs 1 lakh.
Additionally, scholarships of up to Rs 2 lakh per annum are available for the children of weavers pursuing diploma, undergraduate, or postgraduate studies at recognized textile institutions.
The government has also ensured comprehensive social security coverage for handloom workers through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).
These schemes provide financial protection in cases of natural or accidental death and disability, offering a safety net for workers and their families.
