Odisha Govt Procures Products Worth Rs 132.29 Cr From Weavers & Craftsmen During COVID-19

Bhubaneswar: As another measure towards livelihood support activities during COVID-19, the state government procured products worth Rs 132.29 crore from the weavers, craftsman and artisans besides creating 11 lakh man-days.

It was revealed at a high level review meeting presided by chief secretary Asit Tripathy on Thursday. Secretary, Textile Handloom and Handicraft Dr Subha Sharma presented the updates for discussion.

Reviewing activities of the department, Tripathy directed to create more livelihood opportunities through expansion of sericulture. “Since sericulture is a labour intensive activity and seri-cocoons have wider market demand, its expansion will create more employment opportunities,” he said.

Development Commissioner Suresh Chandra Mohapatra said, “Asana and Arjuna plants are the natural feed for sericulture. These are forest species and hence can be planted in forest areas.” He advised to take up more such plantation in convergence with Forest and Environment department.

Dr Sharma said around 11 lakh man-days were generated through sericulture activities from April to September and the workers were paid around Rs 24.53 crofre towards the wage. Besides, around 4400 people were provided direct employment in textile and apparel sector particularly through Shahi Exports and Aditya Birla groups. Of them, more than 87% were women.

As many as 1267 aged persons with 20 years of weaving experience were also provided financial assistance of Rs 500 to 700 per month. Weavers and artisans were also supported with work-shed, tools and equipment, credit linkage and raw material banks.

During the period, products worth Rs 132.29 crore were procured from weavers and craftsmen through different government sponsored marketing organisations. Boyanika procured products worth Rs 25.96 crore, Sambalpuri Bastralaya Rs 26.22 crore, Serifed Rs 0.49 crore, and Utkalika procured the products worth Rs 2.06 crore.

Principal secretary, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh and special secretary, Textile, Handloom and Handicraft Srikant Prusty participated in the deliberations.