Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi during a meeting with delegation of Sualkuchi Tat Silpi Sanstha at his official residence recently assured the delegates that the State government would not allow the age-old weaving industry of Sualkuchi to decline and would continue to provide support and assistance so that it becomes vibrant and resilient.

Gogoi also told the delegation that he would ask the Minister for Handloom & Textiles, Bismita Gogoi to visit Sualkuchi to take stock of the situation there and redress the grievances of the weavers who are facing problems.

The CM said that the government would take up a special new scheme for the overall development of the weaving industry in the State, including those of Sualkuchi. The government is also mulling to set up a silk yarn bank at Sualkuchi to ensure adequate supply of silk yarn to weavers.

The new scheme, to be taken up by the Handloom & Textiles Department, would incorporate new designs and techniques to make traditional handloom products more colourful and attractive. The Chief Minister said that yarn is being distributed to weavers so that they can become strong financially.

Gogoi alleged that a local MLA did not play a proactive role for the development of the Sualkuchi weaving industry due to which there is a proliferation of cheap Banarasi silk, and that he was responsible for damaging the age-old weaving industry by helping vested circles to set up other industries.

The delegation is asked to work on a cluster basis for the development of the industry.