Uttar Pradesh Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Rakesh Sachan and Minister of State Ravindra Jaiswal met with weavers and industry representatives to review the financial facilities available under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Powerloom Weavers Electricity Flat Rate Scheme. The meeting focused on addressing weavers’ concerns regarding electricity subsidies and exploring measures to promote the growth of the textile sector in the state.
During the discussions, Additional Chief Secretary Anil Sagar said that several welfare and development schemes are being implemented for both handloom and powerloom weavers. He stated that Uttar Pradesh has around 400,000 weavers, of whom more than 90% benefit from electricity subsidies. The state, he added, provides approximately Rs. 900 crore (US $ 102 million) in subsidies each year. He also encouraged weavers to adopt solar energy to lower their electricity expenses and mentioned ongoing efforts to provide modern machinery to enhance productivity.
Former Legislative Council member Ashok Dhawan noted that after agriculture, textiles form the largest cottage industry in Purvanchal. He emphasised that providing greater support to weavers would not only strengthen the Swadeshi movement but also prevent skilled artisans from migrating elsewhere in search of work.
Minister Ravindra Jaiswal reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the welfare of weavers, highlighting their contribution to making Banarasi sarees renowned worldwide. He mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had gifted Banaras a National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) centre to help weavers’ children learn modern textile technologies. Work, he said, is also underway to establish a textile park in Banaras to boost industrial development and modernise production through new machinery. Jaiswal further stressed the importance of adopting Swadeshi practices for the country’s economic progress and ensuring artisans receive the facilities needed to sustain their livelihoods locally.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Rakesh Sachan said the meeting aimed to promote the welfare of the weaver community through collective decision-making. He explained that the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Powerloom Weavers Electricity Flat Rate Scheme is being implemented based on stakeholder consensus and provides targeted financial assistance to weavers. He underscored the need to protect and promote traditional weaving crafts while equipping artisans with new technologies.
Sachan assured that the Government stands firmly with the weavers and will take their suggestions into account when finalising support measures. He reiterated the Government’s focus on renewable energy adoption, noting that substantial subsidies are being offered for installing solar panels. He also announced plans to set up a new textile park on 75 acres of land in Ramna, Varanasi, to strengthen the regional textile ecosystem and create new opportunities for local artisans.
