Sambalpur : Weaving is next to agriculture in providing self-employment and it provides livelihood to about 2.5 lakh people in the State, said Handlooms and Textile Minister Snehangini Chhuria.
Speaking at a function, Chhuria said alleviation of weavers is the main objective of the State Government. Informing that there are 1,036 Weavers’ Societies in the State, she said that 44 Societies have been formed in the last two years and a target has been set to form 100 more in 2016-17. Efforts are on to develop the societies into clusters with an aim to increase production and improve their economic condition.
Although the weavers have gained economically, a lot remains to be done and stressed on skill development. The Minister said she aims to take the legacy of weaving into generation next who are disillusioned and are opting for new fields due to poor returns in the age-old skill.
On powerloom and fake Sambalpuri handloom sarees flooding the market, she said a proposal is being worked out to produce cheap Sambalpuri handloom saree to take on their power-loom counterparts. “If we can produce cheap handloom saree, people will stop buying powerloom sarees with Sambalpuri designs,” Chhuria gave hope to the weavers.
Calling upon the people to patronize Sambalpuri handloom, she said such steps would go a long way in patronizing weavers.
Note: News shared for public awareness with reference from the information provided at online news portals.
