Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has launched the Mukhyamantri Hathkargha Bunkar Samriddhi Yojana to strengthen the handloom sector, improve the financial condition of weavers and preserve the state’s rich textile heritage through modern technology, financial assistance and direct market access.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the initiative seeks to address long-standing challenges faced by traditional weavers, including rising electricity costs, expensive raw materials, limited access to modern technology and exploitation by intermediaries.
Handloom weaving is deeply rooted in Uttar Pradesh’s cultural and economic identity. The world-renowned Banarasi sarees of Varanasi, textile industries of Mau and Azamgarh, lungis of Tanda, carpets of Bhadohi and chikankari embroidery of Lucknow have earned national and international recognition. However, increasing production costs and inadequate market access have weakened the financial position of many traditional artisans.
The scheme focuses on four key objectives: preserving traditional weaving skills, promoting economic self-reliance, reducing production costs and developing organised weaver clusters capable of competing in domestic and international markets. The government aims to strengthen collective entrepreneurship by bringing individual weavers together into groups, producer companies and other organised entities, enabling them to secure larger orders and expand their businesses.
One of the major provisions is a subsidy of up to 80 per cent for solar-powered looms, including the conversion of traditional and power looms to solar energy. The initiative is expected to reduce dependence on conventional electricity and significantly lower monthly operating expenses for weavers.
To address the rising cost and availability of yarn, the government is also promoting the establishment of yarn banks in areas with a high concentration of weavers. These facilities are intended to provide quality yarn at prices reportedly 20 to 30 per cent below prevailing market rates, helping artisans reduce input costs and improve profit margins.
The scheme also seeks to connect weavers directly with digital marketplaces and e-commerce platforms, including Amazon, Flipkart and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). This initiative aims to eliminate intermediaries, expand the customer base for handloom products and enable artisans to receive a greater share of the final selling price.
To support business expansion and the purchase of new equipment, eligible weavers will be facilitated with low-interest institutional loans, collateral-free credit and credit card facilities, subject to applicable terms and conditions. The scheme also places emphasis on skill development and modern design training. Weavers will be provided free computer-based designing training to help them develop contemporary patterns in line with changing consumer preferences and market trends.
The scheme is open to permanent residents of Uttar Pradesh whose primary occupation is handloom weaving. Individual weavers, as well as registered groups, firms, cooperative societies and producer companies comprising at least 25 weavers, are eligible to apply under the respective provisions. Organised clusters are also intended to receive additional assistance to strengthen their collective production and marketing capabilities.
Applicants are required to submit documents such as Aadhaar card, residence proof, weaver identity card, bank passbook details, passport-size photographs and an income certificate, as applicable.
The government has outlined three application channels to facilitate access to the scheme. Eligible weavers can apply online through the official website of the state’s Handloom and Textiles Department, submit applications at district industries centres or district handloom offices, or register through special camps organised in major weaving centres such as Varanasi, Bhadohi, Lucknow, Mau, Azamgarh and Tanda.
Through these registration camps, departmental officials aim to reach weavers directly, provide information about the scheme and assist them with the application process.
The Mukhyamantri Hathkargha Bunkar Samriddhi Yojana is designed to combine heritage preservation with economic modernisation. By promoting solar energy, affordable raw materials, digital marketing, institutional credit and advanced design skills, the initiative seeks to make traditional handloom enterprises more competitive and financially sustainable.
The scheme is expected to create new opportunities for rural employment, strengthen the state’s textile economy and improve the livelihoods of thousands of artisans. It also reflects the government’s broader objective of ensuring that Uttar Pradesh’s traditional craftsmanship continues to thrive while its weavers gain greater financial independence, dignity and access to expanding markets.
