The government is making special efforts for the welfare of about 20 lakh SC citizens working in handicraft, handloom and sericulture sector and has decided to provide 100% subsidy to SC weavers for the contruction of work-sheds. The announcements were made during an event on 14thApril on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R Ambedkar.

Union Minister for textile, Smriti Irani recently also launched PowerTex India under which 75% subsidy is being given to SC beneficiaries for the upgradation of powerlooms.

She also announced 75% subsidy in fees for school education via NIOS and university education via IGNOU for the children of SC weavers and artisans.

The Minister distributed benefits under welfare schemes of the Ministry, to beneficiaries belonging to Scheduled Castes from various parts of the country. The Minister also interacted with handloom weavers, handicraft artisans, silk reelers and skill development trainees at various locations in five states via video conferencing, apart from the beneficiaries who were present at the function in Delhi.

Also an MoU has been signed between Development commissioner (Handlooms) under the Ministry of Textiles and National Castes Finance and Development Corporation under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment to help Scheduled Caste weavers and their families by promoting production and marketing of high value quality Handlooms products at Block level Cluster in various States like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Odisha etc..