The pan- India handloom camps 'Hastkala Sahyog Shivirs' to be organized by the textile ministry in 421 handloom-handicrafts clusters across the country which will benefit over 1.2 lakh weavers and artisans.

The initiative is dedicated to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Garib Kalyan Varsh to mark the birth centenary year of the Hindutva icon. The pan-India handloom camps will be organised during October 7-17, 2017.

Union textile minister, Smriti Irani said that through Hastkala Sahyog Shvirs more than 1.20 lakh weavers and artisans will benefit.

Services like issuance of credit facilities through MUDRA scheme, assistance for technological upgradation under Hathkargha Samvardhan Sahayata, distribution of modern tool- kits and equipment and buyer-seller meets and expos will be provided to the weavers and artisans in these camps.

Irani apprised over 40 districts' officials across 17 states through video conferencing about the upcoming Hastkala Sahyog Shivirs.

The minister added that the interaction was webcast across 228 districts to give officials an insight on the importance of Hastkala Sahyog Shivirs for weavers and artisans.