11 textile articles set aside to support and protect Assam handloom weavers

As per the 4th All India Handloom Census (2019-20), Assam has the highest concentration of handloom weavers and allied workers

In order to protect and support handloom weavers of Assam, the government has reserved 11 textile articles with certain technical specifications exclusively for production on handlooms, said Union Minister of State for Textiles Darshana Jardosh on Friday.

The MoS was responding to a question raised by Rajya Sabha MP from Assam, Pabitra Margherita.

Jardosh stated that the Central and State governments have directed agencies to conduct inspections of powerloom units to ensure that items reserved for production on handlooms are not produced on powerlooms.

The government promulgated the Handlooms (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act, 1985, to protect handloom weavers from the encroachment of the powerloom and mill sectors.
As per the 4th All India Handloom Census (2019–20), Assam has the highest concentration of handloom weavers and allied workers.

MP Margherita expressed concerns about the imported powerloom products that are imitating the traditional motifs and designs, such as the Gamosa of Assam, which is hurting the weavers, and wanted to know about the steps taken by the government to protect the handloom workers and weavers.

Edited by Bhargobi Khaund

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