What this scheme offers
NHDP takes a need-based approach to strengthening India's handloom sector, where women make up around 71% of the workforce and marginalised communities form a majority of the rest. Support includes raw material assistance, upgraded looms and accessories, toolkits, solar lighting for workshed use, design and product development help, Urban Haats and marketing complexes for direct sales, and concessional credit through the Weavers' MUDRA Scheme. A dedicated education component pays tuition, admission and exam fees plus a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 (up to ₹2 lakh/year) for the children of handloom weavers studying at recognised Textile Institutions. The scheme is implemented through State Directorates of Handlooms and Weavers' Service Centres, with funds released in two installments — the second only after required documentation is submitted.
Who is eligible
- Handloom weavers, whether within or outside a weavers' cooperative society.
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs) engaged in handloom weaving.
- Children of handloom weavers, for the education scholarship component.
- Support flows through State Directorates of Handlooms rather than a single national application.
Documents required
- Weaver ID card / handloom census registration
- Aadhaar card
- Bank account details (for DBT)
- Admission proof from a recognised Textile Institution, for the education scholarship
How to apply
- Contact your nearest Weavers' Service Centre (WSC) — they verify documents and forward applications through the zonal office.
- For general scheme support (loom upgrade, raw material, design assistance), your State Directorate of Handlooms is the implementing agency to approach.
- For the children's education scholarship, submit your admission proof and weaver ID at your local WSC, which forwards the proposal to the Zonal Office and District Collector (Handlooms) for sanction.
- The scholarship's first-year amount is released after admission is confirmed; the DBT is credited to the weaver's or child's bank account.