Odisha Launches Financial Aid Scheme for Elderly Artisans and Weavers

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move towards the welfare and security of senior weavers and handicraft artisans in Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has introduced the ‘Mukhyamantri Baristha Bunakar O Karigar Sahayata Yojana.’ This novel scheme aims to provide financial assistance to individuals aged 40 to 80 years (women) and 50 to 80 years (men) engaged in weaving, preserving the rich heritage of the state.

Under the scheme, eligible female weavers, weaving assistants, and artisans in the specified age group will receive a monthly financial aid of Rs 2,000. Senior weavers, assistants, and artisans aged above 80 years (both men and women) will benefit from an increased assistance of Rs 2,500 per month.

While the state government has been implementing various skill development and welfare schemes for the weavers and artisans, this new initiative specifically addresses the needs of senior handloom artisans. Previously, there was a “Baristha Bunakar Sahayata Yojana” for elderly weavers, offering Rs 500 per month for those aged between 60 and 80 years and Rs 700 per month for those above 80 years.

Responding to requests from weavers and handicraft artisans during Chief Minister Patnaik’s district visits, the state government introduced this tailor-made scheme to extend support and financial aid to senior weavers and artisans.

To qualify for the scheme, beneficiaries must adhere to certain criteria:

a) Be registered as weavers and helpers in the survey list prepared by the Director of Textiles and Director of Handicrafts.
b) Have an annual family income not exceeding Rs 1 lakh.
c) Not be a beneficiary of any corresponding scheme by the State or Central Government.
d) Not be a government servant, taxpayer, or pensioner of the Central or State Government.
e) Limit one person per family for scheme benefits.
f) Assistance will be disbursed directly through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-linked savings accounts.

The scheme will be implemented by the Department of Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts, with detailed guidelines to be issued by the department. Beneficiaries currently receiving assistance under the “Baristha Bunakar Sahayata Yojana” will witness an increased assistance amount between the 20th and 25th of February. Subsequently, eligible weavers, helpers, and artisans will be selected and provided assistance promptly.

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to preserving traditional arts and supporting the elderly artisans who have contributed significantly to Odisha’s cultural heritage.