Know why the free power loom saree scheme for women of Maharashtra has been stopped, the work of weavers will be affected.
Mumbai. Maharashtra government has decided to discontinue the scheme of providing free sarees to about 25 lakh families holding Antyodaya ration cards. In the order issued by the state textile department, increasing economic burden and financial pressure have been cited as the main reasons for closing the scheme. While this decision of the government will stop the festival assistance to lakhs of poor families, it is also expected to have an impact on the power loom industry of the state.
The plan was started in the year 2023
The free saree distribution scheme in Maharashtra was started in the year 2023 under the ‘Integrated and Sustainable Textile Policy 2023-28’ of the then Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This plan had two main objectives. First, to provide assistance to economically weaker families during festival times and second, to provide a permanent market to the crisis-hit powerloom sector of the state.
There was a provision of Rs 100 crore every year
Under the scheme, sarees prepared on power looms were distributed to Antyodaya families before Diwali in the years 2023, 2024 and 2025. For this, the state government had set a budget of about Rs 100 crore every year. However, now the government has decided not to extend this program in the current financial year.
Plan ended citing economic crisis
The order of the Textiles Department has cited the economic condition of the state and increasing financial pressure. According to officials, it was no longer possible to continue the scheme due to rising expenditure, administrative expenses and pressing financial responsibilities on many other welfare schemes. The government believes that in the current circumstances it has become necessary to control expenses.
Direct impact on 25 lakh families
Due to the closure of the free saree scheme, about 25 lakh Antyodaya families of the state will be affected. Over the past three years, this scheme had become an important support for these families during Diwali. Rural and economically weaker families will now have to be deprived of government help during festivals this year.
Power loom industry will also be affected
The closure of this scheme has also increased the concern over the powerloom industry of Maharashtra. Under the scheme, the government used to purchase sarees on a large scale, which provided regular work to the weavers and power loom operators of the state. Weavers say that due to closure of government procurement, demand in the market may decrease and there may be additional pressure on the industry which is already facing challenges.
Big decision amid review of welfare schemes
This decision of the Maharashtra government has come at a time when the expenditure and beneficiaries of various welfare schemes of the state are being reviewed. Recently, there were reports of review regarding the ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin’ scheme, in which it was said that the names of a large number of beneficiaries had been removed. After this, questions were raised regarding the financial stability of the state’s social assistance schemes.
No option announced at present
After the closure of the Free Saree Scheme, no alternative assistance scheme has been announced by the government for the affected families. Now the focus is on what further steps the government takes to provide relief to poor families and the powerloom industry. At present, this annual festival assistance provided to 25 lakh families has ended.
Comments are closed.