Archive · 20 Nov 2025
Handloom Weavers Seek Urgent Budget Boost
Handloom weavers, mostly women and rural residents, are struggling with low income and lack of social security.
They've asked the government for more budget and health coverage to save their livelihood and cultural heritage.
NFHH submitted representations to Finance Ministry and NITI Aayog for handloom sector's urgent needs
Over 66% of handloom households earn less than Rs 5000 monthly, below minimum wages
NFHH requested Rs 1,070 crore budget revision for FY 2026-27, just 0.022% of national budget
Less than 30% of current budget reaches weavers as direct welfare support, Rs 17 per month per household
Handloom sector faces severe health challenges, with 94% of experienced weavers reporting chronic issues
- Who
- National Federation of Handlooms and Handicrafts (NFHH)
- What
- Submitted representations to Finance Ministry and NITI Aayog for handloom sector's urgent needs
- When
- Wednesday
- Where
- Delhi
- Why
- To address distressed handloom sector's low income, lack of social security, and health issues
NFHH's Perspective
Government's Perspective
Budget Allocation
NFHH's Perspective
NFHH requests Rs 1,070 crore for FY 2026-27, currently Rs 200 crore
Government's Perspective
Government may consider the request but budget constraints exist
Social Security
NFHH's Perspective
NFHH demands ESI and EPF coverage for handloom workers
Government's Perspective
Government may need to assess feasibility and budget implications
- Number of households in distress
- 35.22 lakh
- Percentage of weavers being women
- 72
- Percentage of weavers residing in rural areas
- 90
- Current budget for National Handloom Development Programme
- Rs 200 crore
- Estimated budget needed for FY 2026-27
- Rs 1,070 crore
