Ensuring income, dignity and stability of Uttar Pradesh's bankers is a priority: Yogi Adityanath

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that weavers are not only the flag-bearers of tradition but also a strong pillar of the state's economy. Therefore, ensuring their income, dignity, and livelihood stability is the top priority of the state government.

He said that weavers are currently facing challenges such as increasing raw material costs, lack of design and modern technology, and limited market access. These issues cannot be resolved merely through planning, but only through the development of a robust and integrated system. The Chief Minister directed the preparation of a new, result-oriented, cluster-focused action plan in this direction.

During a review meeting of the Handloom Department on Thursday, officials informed Chief Minister Yogi that there are approximately 1.99 lakh weavers in the state. Uttar Pradesh ranks sixth in the country in this sector. The state is a leader in the production of carpets, durries, and blankets, and also has a strong presence in products like bed sheets, furnishings, and quilts. In 2024-25, the country's total handloom exports stood at Rs 1178.93 crore, with Uttar Pradesh contributing Rs 109.40 crore (approximately 9.27 percent).

The Chief Minister directed that clusters be established in areas with a majority of weavers and that they be prepared to integrate production, quality, and marketing. He clarified that these clusters should not be limited to production alone but should be developed as a complete value chain, where design, branding, packaging, and market access are ensured within a single framework.

The meeting discussed various aspects, including cluster selection, baseline surveys, preparation of detailed project reports (DPRs), effective implementation, and continuous monitoring. The Chief Minister said that within each cluster, a limited number of weavers should be organized and prepared as registered units, which would promote collective production and marketing. Additionally, these clusters should be integrated with modern technology, modern equipment, and skill training to improve the quality and competitiveness of their products.

Emphasizing the need to strengthen design and marketing, the Chief Minister said that the success of products is possible only when they meet market demand. He directed the implementation of mechanisms such as "designer-cum-marketing executive" and "design house/sourcing-buying agency/export house" to improve product quality, access to larger markets, and increase weavers' income. The Chief Minister stressed the need to focus on digital platforms, e-commerce, and branding to connect weavers directly with consumers.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister also highlighted the need for further efforts to reduce the electricity bills of powerloom weavers. The Handloom Department and Power Corporation will jointly prepare an action plan in this regard, as per the Chief Minister's direction. The Chief Minister emphasized the promotion of solar energy, saying it would reduce weavers' electricity expenses and provide them with long-term relief. He directed the preparation of an effective action plan in this direction.

The Chief Minister said that the weaver community in Uttar Pradesh is a vital pillar of the state's glorious tradition, employment, and economy. Therefore, a balanced, transparent, and practical policy should be formulated to provide genuine relief to weavers, boost the industry, and strengthen the state's traditional weaving industry. Apart from Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Rakesh Sachan, departmental officers were also present in the meeting.