Nekar Samman Yojana

Nekar Samman Yojana is a social welfare scheme of Karnataka government that provides direct financial support of ₹5,000 a year to handloom and power loom weavers through the Direct Benefit Transfer mode. Applications for the 2026-27 year are being invited by the Department of Handlooms and Textiles across Karnataka districts, so eligible weavers can still apply before their local last date.

The scheme was launched on 6 July 2020 to help destitute weavers whose livelihoods were badly hit by the pandemic. It has since become a steady source of income support for the weaving community, and the government has kept it going with fresh rounds of applications each year.

Nekar Samman Yojana - Introduction

Nekar Samman Yojana gives money directly into the bank accounts of weavers working in the handloom, power loom and related pre-loom activities such as processing cotton, wool or silk. The Department of Handlooms and Textiles, Government of Karnataka, runs the scheme through the Seva Sindhu portal and also through the district handloom and textile offices.

For the 2026-27 financial year, the department has invited fresh applications in Karnataka districts. Weavers who are already registered under the scheme and received the benefit in the last year do not need to apply again. New and eligible weavers, especially those working as handloom or power loom weavers who were not covered earlier, can submit the application form along with the required documents.

Each eligible weaver gets an annual grant of ₹5,000 paid through DBT, which was raised from the earlier ₹2,000 amount. This higher support helps weavers cover material costs and small business needs for their weaving work.

Key Information

Benefits

Under Nekar Samman Yojana, eligible weavers get an annual cash grant of ₹5,000 transferred directly to their registered bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer mode. The amount was increased from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 to give a more meaningful money support to weavers in the cotton, wool and silk sectors.

The money is meant to help weavers manage their day to day expenses and keep their weaving work going.

Eligibility

Weavers who meet the criteria below can apply for this scheme. The following points explain who can get the benefit:

• The applicant must be a permanent resident of Karnataka with a valid resident certificate.
• The applicant must be an active weaver or a distressed worker engaged in the handloom, power loom or related pre-loom activities.
• Workers involved in processing cotton, wool or silk as part of the weaving chain are also covered.
• For the latest rounds, handloom weavers should be registered under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana where required.
• The applicant must have an active bank account to receive the funds through DBT.

Documents

Keep these documents ready before filling the application form. The list below shows what is usually asked:

• Aadhaar Card
• Ration Card
• Bank passbook details for DBT
• Weaver identity card
• Proof that the applicant is engaged in weaving work, such as a photo of the weaving activity
• Recent passport-sized photograph and mobile number for contact

Application Process

Weavers can apply both online through the Seva Sindhu portal and offline at the district handloom and textile offices or through weaving cooperative societies. Applications for each year are invited within a fixed period, so it is best to apply before the local last date.

STEP 1 - Visit the official Seva Sindhu website at sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in and open the Nekar Samman section, or visit the district handloom and textile department office for the offline form.

STEP 2 - Sign in with a registered account if you are a new user, or collect the application form from the district office or a weaving cooperative society.

STEP 3 - Fill the registration form accurately with your personal, weaver and bank details, and attach the required documents.

STEP 4 - Submit the completed application along with the documents before the district deadline and keep a copy for future reference.

STEP 5 - Track the status of your application through the Seva Sindhu portal after submission.

References

Nekar Samman Official Seva Sindhu Portal

Seva Sindhu Official Portal

Department of Handlooms and Textiles Portal

FAQ's

What is Nekar Samman Yojana?

It is a Karnataka government scheme that gives ₹5,000 a year as cash support to handloom and power loom weavers through DBT.

Is the scheme still running in 2026?

Yes. For the 2026-27 year, the Department of Handlooms and Textiles has invited fresh applications across Karnataka districts.

How can I apply?

You can apply online through the Seva Sindhu portal at sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in or offline at the district handloom and textile office or through a weaving cooperative society.

Do I need to apply again if I already got the benefit?

No. Weavers who are already registered and received the benefit in the previous year do not need to submit a fresh application.

How will I receive the money?

The amount is transferred directly to your active bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer mode.

What is the current financial aid amount?

Eligible weavers get an annual grant of ₹5,000, which was raised from the earlier ₹2,000.

Who is eligible for this benefit?

Permanent residents of Karnataka who are active handloom or power loom weavers, or workers in related weaving activities, are eligible as long as they have an active bank account.

Which documents are required?

Aadhaar Card, Ration Card, bank passbook, weaver identity card, proof of weaving work and a photograph are usually required.