Government to pay 90 percent cost of new looms to weavers, says Smriti Irani

By

Maverick Martins

Published
Apr 7, 2017

India’s textiles minister Smriti Irani has said that the government would fund 90 percent cost of new looms for weavers to replace the old ones, a news agency reported. This move is among various measures which have been initiated to help weavers, including a dedicated helpline for them.

Responding in the Lok Sabha to concerns raised by CPI-M member P K Sreemathi Teacher about the problems faced by the handloom industry in Kerala, Irani assured that she would try her best to help the handloom weavers in Kannur, Kerala.

Old looms can be replaced with new ones as the government would pay 90 percent cost to the weavers to help them renew their looms, Irani noted.

The government, in January, started a special helpline, especially for weavers. “I will also personally visit Kannur and try and help to the best of my ability,” she said.

During the Zero Hour, the member mentioned about the problems faced by Kerala’s handloom industry including financial issues and lack of rebate assistance to weaving accessories.