Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Minister Snehangini Chhuria at a review meeting in Sambalpur where many senior officials of the department and district administration were present has directed officials to come out with a Rs 500-crore strategic plan for the betterment of the weavers’ community in Odhisha.

According to the Minister, weaving are leaving their traditional profession for various reasons but particularly due to lack of financial support. Hence, the ministry need to take proactive measures to deal with the situation and also to ensure that weavers are not quitting the profession for which Odisha has earned name and fame both nationally and globally.

The officials are asked to prepare a report highlighting the problems of the weavers of the state and western Odisha in particular in their day to day life, directing the officials to prepare a plan ensuring holistic development of the weavers’ community in the State.

The Minister said that the plan need to be chalked out in such a way that it have to attract the weavers with new idea, financial assistance and better marketing facility.