Odisha approves Rs 589 crore Mukhyamantri Hastatanta Bikasha Yojana for handloom sector development

Bhubaneswar: Aiming at holistic and inclusive development of handloom sector, the state cabinet has approved Mukhyamantri Hastatanta Bikasha Yojana (MHBY) with a total outlay of Rs 589.1 crore over five years, bringing relief to several weavers, who have long grappled with irregular raw material supply, limited market access and declining income.The flagship scheme, cleared during a cabinet meeting, chaired by chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi, seeks to strengthen the livelihood of weaver families while preserving Odisha’s rich handloom heritage and traditional craftsmanship. It not only focuses on economic empowerment, but skill enhancement and sustainable growth of the sector as well.Under MHBY, the govt outlined several key components — construction of hygienic and well-ventilated workspaces, infrastructure support for pre-loom, loom and post-loom activities, regular supply of raw materials like yarn at optimal prices and skill development programmes for weavers and ancillary workers to improve employability and productivity.Recognising the need to modernise the sector, the govt included provisions for technology upgrade, design innovation and market adaptability, enabling weavers to remain competitive in evolving markets. The yojana will help artisans participate in exhibitions and expos for direct connection with buyers to expand their market reach. To protect and promote Odisha’s unique handwoven products, the scheme will support Geographical Indication (GI) registration and brand-building initiatives.Further, the initiative includes IT-driven governance and innovation tools to enhance transparency and efficiency, along with systems for monitoring, evaluation and contingency planning to ensure effective implementation. The scheme also recognises excellence through awards such as Kriti Puraskar Samman Yojana for highly skilled weavers, encouraging craftsmanship and innovation.Officials said the MHBY scheme seeks to realign existing programmes and ensure convergence across departments for maximum impact. It is expected to expand production, increase the number of active weavers, generate employment and promote entrepreneurship, especially among the younger generation.