Parliament Question: Women Employment Under SAMARTH 2.0

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2861 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.03.2026 WOMEN EMPLOYMENT UNDER SAMARTH 2.0 2861. DR. VINOD KUMAR BIND: Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंत्री be pleased to state : (a) whether the Government proposes to enhance financial and marketing support to handloom and handicraft workers in view of increasing input costs and declining artisan incomes; (b) if so, the details thereof, particularly with reference to States such as Uttar Pradesh; and (c) if not, the reasons therefor? उत्तर ANSWER वस्त्र मंत्री (श्री गिरििाज ग िंह) MINISTER OF TEXTILES (SHRI GIRIRAJ SINGH) (a) to (c): Ministry of Textiles supports handloom and handicraft workers across the country, including Uttar Pradesh, through various schemes and initiatives which includes: (i) National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) and Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS) Scheme in the handloom sector under which, financial assistance is provided to eligible handloom agencies and workers for raw materials, upgraded looms and accessories, solar lighting, workshed construction, product diversification, common infrastructure, branding through India Handloom Brand (IHB), Handloom Mark (HLM) and GI tag, e-commerce, domestic and overseas marketing, concessional loans under Weavers’ MUDRA Scheme, and social security. (ii) Marketing Support & Services (MSS) component of NHDP in handicraft sector under which Domestic and International Marketing Events are organised for artisans. Financial assistance covers space rent, publicity, infrastructure, and TA/DA/Freight charges. For Uttar Pradesh, 72 MSS events, 01 International Marketing Event (RBSM, Moradabad), and 72 CDAP programmes have been sanctioned with a total fund of approx. ₹8.81 Crore during FY 2025-26. ****