West Bengal Handloom and Khadi Weavers Financial Benefit Scheme 2024 supports Primary Weavers Cooperative Societies (PWCS) and Khadi societies in the state by giving one time financial support so these societies can stay viable and keep growing their handloom and khadi business. The scheme covers several parts, including help for viable and potentially viable PWCS, and it remains open for a five year period from its launch.
Handloom and Khadi Weavers Financial Benefit Scheme 2024: Assistance to Viable and Potentially Viable PWCS
This scheme is a dedicated part of the larger West Bengal Handloom and Khadi Weavers Financial Benefit Scheme 2024. The Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise and Textiles Department of the Government of West Bengal launched it on 7th March 2024. The main aim is to help grassroots textile organisations such as Primary Weavers Cooperative Societies (PWCS) and Khadi societies that meet the viability standards set by the state level committee.
The scheme stays in force for five years from the date of the official notification, unless it is withdrawn or amended earlier by a gazette notification. As of August 2026, the scheme is still running and eligible societies can apply for the support. The state level committee decides the norms for what counts as a viable or potentially viable society under this scheme.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | West Bengal Handloom and Khadi Weavers Financial Benefit Scheme 2024 |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | West Bengal |
| Category | Business & Entrepreneurship |
| Target Beneficiaries | Registered PWCS and Khadi societies |
| Benefit Type | Cash support |
| Nodal Department | Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise and Textiles Department |
| Launch Date | 07-03-2024 |
| Duration | Five years from launch |
Benefits
Eligible societies can get one time financial support ranging from ₹1,00,000 to ₹10,00,000. The final amount depends on the extent of active work done by the PWCS or Khadi society. The state level committee sets the exact norms for this support.
Apart from this, the scheme also covers other support. It helps clear overdue principal and interest of NPA accounts of PWCS through One Time Settlement, supplies yarn to societies at a concessional rate through Tantuja, and gives one time support to individual handloom weavers who are not part of any society.
Eligibility
Eligible people fall into these categories within the handloom and khadi sector:
- Handloom weavers, including entrepreneur weavers or master weavers, individual weavers and allied workers, and weavers within the cooperative fold or linked to handloom clusters.
- Khadi weavers who are actively engaged in the craft.
- Primary Weavers Cooperative Societies (PWCS) and Khadi societies that meet the viability standards fixed by the state level committee.
Application Process
An eligible PWCS, Khadi society or individual weaver can apply either online or through the offline process in the prescribed format notified by the department. The application has to be sent to the Director of Textiles.
STEP 1 - Go to the official Directorate of Textiles website and open the schemes section to find the application format for this scheme.
STEP 2 - Fill in the prescribed application form with the details of your society or your own details as a weaver, and attach the required documents.
STEP 3 - Submit the completed application to the Director of Textiles, either online or offline as per the notified format.
STEP 4 - A district level committee checks the proposals, carries out field inquiry if needed, and recommends valid claims to the Director of Textiles or the CEO of KWBVIB. The state level committee then finalises the support.
Documents
Keep these documents ready while applying:
- Recent photograph of the applicant.
- Aadhaar card.
- Documentary proof confirming the status as a Handloom or Khadi weaver or society.
- Any other documents asked by the department officials.
Definitions
Viable and Potentially Viable
A society is treated as viable or potentially viable if it meets the criteria set by the state level committee appointed under this scheme.
References
Official Scheme Guidelines and Notification
Directorate of Textiles, Government of West Bengal
FAQ's
What is the definition of PWCS?
PWCS refers to Primary Weavers Cooperative Societies registered under the West Bengal Cooperative Societies Act.
What is the definition of Viable?
Viable refers to PWCS and Khadi societies that satisfy the viability standards set by the official state level committee.
How much financial support can a society receive?
Eligible societies receive a one time grant ranging between ₹1,00,000 and ₹10,00,000 based on their current operational activity level.
Who manages this scheme?
The Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise and Textiles Department holds the responsibility for implementing and monitoring this scheme.
How do officials assess applications?
A designated committee reviews all submitted proposals, conducts field inquiries if necessary, and recommends claims to the Director of Textiles or the CEO of KWBVIB.
Are there penalties for providing false details?
Yes, if false information or misrepresented facts are found, the department will revoke all claims under the scheme immediately.
Can I apply if I have received benefits from other schemes?
Yes, if a society received subsidies or incentives from other government schemes before this one, it remains eligible for this support.
How can I file a grievance?
For any concern about the Directorate of Textiles decision, a formal complaint can be submitted to the Principal Secretary of the Department of MSME&T, Government of West Bengal.
What is the duration of the scheme?
The scheme launched on 7th March 2024 and operates for a five year period.
What is a Khadi Society?
A Khadi society includes entities registered under the Cooperative Societies Act, Official Trustees Act, Societies Act, partnership firms, or the Companies Act that engage directly in handloom or khadi activities.