The Karnataka state government has steps to develop the textile sector is contemplating the launch of “Vastra bhagya” to hand out handloom sarees for women and dhotis for men belonging to BPL families on the occasion of two or three major festivals in the next fiscal, according to minister for textiles Babu Rao Chinchansur.

The minister said that there were 1.25 lakh working power looms, 75,000 working hand loom and around 10,000 manual looms at 1,000 co-operative societies. These units could produce sufficient quantity of hand loom sarees and dhotis for one crore plus BPL families.

It is estimated to cost about Rs100 crore annually; a similar scheme in Tamil Nadu is being studied before taking a final decision.

Highlighting the steps taken to develop the textiles sector, he said that 1,000 acres had been reserved for the proposed Textile Park in Yadgir. It is expected to provide employment for about 10,000 persons in this backward region. A modern Textile Training Institute will also be set up there.

Similar textile parks will be set up at Sira in Tumakuru district and Kudathini in Ballari district, Chinchanasur said.

The state government has waived loan and interest of Rs17.58 crore availed by 9,494 weavers from banks and other financial institutions for their working needs in 2013-14.