West Bengal Handloom and Khadi Weavers Financial Benefit Scheme 2024: Assistance to Individual Handloom Weaver gives one-time financial support to individual handloom weavers in West Bengal. An eligible weaver can get ₹5,000 for repair or renovation of the work shed and loom accessories, and another ₹10,000 for raw material bought through Tantuja. The scheme was launched on 7th March, 2024 and stays in force for five years, so applications remain open in online and offline mode.
This sub-scheme is part of the bigger West Bengal Handloom and Khadi Weavers Financial Benefit Scheme 2024. It is made for handloom weavers who work on their own and are not members of any Primary Weavers Cooperative Society (PWCS). The main aim is to help these weavers keep their looms in good condition, upgrade their work shed and manage raw material costs without too much pressure.
West Bengal Handloom and Khadi Weavers Financial Benefit Scheme 2024 - Overview
The state government launched the scheme through a notification dated 7th March, 2024. The Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise and Textiles Department manages it, and the Directorate of Textiles looks after the day to day work. As per the notification, the scheme remains in force for five years from the date of issue, that is, up to March 2029, unless the government amends or withdraws it earlier.
Handloom weaving is one of the oldest cottage industries of West Bengal. Famous weaves such as Baluchari, Tangail, Jamdani, Shantipuri, Dhaniakhali, Garad and Korial sarees come from the state. This sector gives work to a large number of families, and the scheme tries to keep this tradition strong by giving direct cash support to weavers who work outside the cooperative fold.
Highlights of West Bengal Handloom and Khadi Weavers Financial Benefit Scheme 2024
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | West Bengal Handloom and Khadi Weavers Financial Benefit Scheme 2024 |
| Sub-scheme | Assistance to Individual Handloom Weaver |
| Level | State |
| State | West Bengal |
| Main Department | Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise and Textiles Department |
| Launch Date | 7th March, 2024 |
| Duration | Five years, up to March 2029 |
| Benefit Type | Cash Support |
| Benefit Amount | ₹5,000 plus ₹10,000 per weaver |
| Application Mode | Online and Offline |
Benefits
This scheme gives direct cash support to improve the weaving conditions of individual weavers and to make raw material easier to buy:
| Benefit Purpose | Financial Amount |
|---|---|
| Repair or renovation of work shed and repair or modification of loom accessories | ₹5,000 |
| Raw material support (yarn must be bought through Tantuja) | ₹10,000 |
The one-time amount is given to help the weaver continue production without delay. The raw material support is tied to purchasing yarn through Tantuja, the state apex cooperative society, so that the money is used for the purpose it is meant for.
Eligibility
To qualify for this money help, a weaver needs to meet the following conditions:
- Applicant should be an individual handloom weaver who works on their own.
- Applicant should not be covered under any Primary Weavers Cooperative Society or other handloom society.
- There is no income limit, and a weaver who has received support under other government schemes can still apply.
Application Process
Applications are accepted both online and offline. Follow these steps to apply for the benefit:
STEP 1 - Get the application in the prescribed format notified by the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise and Textiles Department. The format is common for all categories under the scheme, and the official scheme notification carries the details.
STEP 2 - Fill in the form with details such as weaver ID card number, name and mobile number. Attach the required documents like Aadhaar card and proof of weaving work.
STEP 3 - Submit the completed application online or in offline mode to the office of the Director of Textiles or the district level office of the Directorate of Textiles. The list of handloom schemes and office details are available on the official Directorate of Textiles website.
STEP 4 - A district level committee checks the application and may carry out a field enquiry if required. After examination, the committee recommends the claim to the Director of Textiles or the CEO of WBKVIB, and the payment is made to the weaver.
Documents
Keep these documents ready while applying:
- Recent passport size photograph.
- Valid Aadhaar card.
- Weaver ID card number, if available.
- Documentary proof showing work as a handloom or khadi weaver.
- Any other records asked by the department during the application process.
References
For detailed scheme rules and official information, refer to the following:
- Official notification of West Bengal Handloom and Khadi Weavers Financial Benefit Scheme 2024
- Handloom schemes of Directorate of Textiles, West Bengal
FAQ's
What is the definition of PWCS?
PWCS stands for Primary Weavers Cooperative Societies, which are registered groups under the West Bengal Cooperative Societies Act.
What is Tantuja?
Tantuja is the State Apex Cooperative Society responsible for marketing handloom products crafted by the PWCS.
How much financial support does a weaver receive?
An eligible individual weaver can get ₹5,000 for shed and loom repairs, plus ₹10,000 for raw material bought through Tantuja.
Which department manages this scheme?
The Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise and Textiles Department, Government of West Bengal, manages the scheme through the Directorate of Textiles.
How is the application reviewed?
A district level committee examines all submissions, may conduct a field enquiry if needed, and recommends the claim to the Director of Textiles or the CEO of WBKVIB.
Can a weaver apply if they have received support under other schemes?
Yes, a weaver remains eligible even after receiving previous subsidies or incentives from other government schemes.
How can an applicant file a grievance?
If an applicant is not satisfied with a decision, they can submit a grievance to the Principal Secretary, Department of MSME & T, Government of West Bengal.
Is there an income limit for applicants?
No, there is no specific income requirement to apply for this support.
How often is the support provided?
This is a one-time financial benefit provided to eligible individual weavers.