Assam CM:More procurement will push handloom sector

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday called for greater awareness about the government’s ban on handloom production of several traditional textile items in the state, including ‘gamosa’ (towel or scarf), so that handlooms The sector can afford it. Survive and thrive.

He said that while the handloom sector is facing challenges from various fronts, including the situation caused by the global pandemic, the threats facing the powerloom industry are the most serious.
Speaking at the launch of the ‘Swanirbhar Nari’ scheme for women weavers, Sarma referred to a 1985 Government of India law restricting power loom production of several traditional textile items in the country, including six are from Assam and include Gamosa and ‘ mehkela-sador’ (traditional women’s dress).
“Despite the ban, these items continue to be produced on power looms and procured by the authorities as well as the public. We have not taken this issue seriously and it has adversely affected our handloom sector,” he said. ” They said.

He urged the handloom department to work with other government agencies to create awareness about such guidelines and initiate punitive measures against violators.
The Chief Minister urged the department to launch a campaign to appeal to the public to purchase only handloom gamosa, mekhela sadar and other such items for Assamese New Year Rongali Bihu in mid-April. Let’s start.

“If every family buys even just two handwoven gamosas for Rangali Bihu this time, it will benefit a large number of our weavers,” he claimed.
Along with public participation, he also stressed the need for proper marketing of products and business activities in the handloom sector.

About the newly launched scheme, Sarma said that under it, the government will purchase gamu and other handloom products from 4.8 lakh women weavers registered on the government portal through 100 procurement centers and the payable amount will be deposited directly into their bank accounts. Direct debit will be done.
He further said that the state budget has already allocated for this scheme and urged the finance minister to continue its provision in the upcoming budget as well.