• As the Handloom weavers, being unorganized, are facing problems in catering to large orders in absence of systemized production subject to stringent quality and timely delivery. GoI have felt that there is a need to bridge the gap through infrastructure development, skill up-gradation, design and product development as per the market demand so that weavers get better remuneration for their products and an assured market and formulated a New Scheme i.e. CHCDS Mega Cluster during the year 2015-16.
• The Main objective of the Scheme is to develop Mega Handloom Clusters that are located in clearly identifiable geographical locations that specialize in specific products, with close linkages and inter dependents amongst the key players in the cluster by improving the infrastructure facilities, with better storage facilities, technology up-gradation in pre-loom/on-loom/post-loom operations, weaving shed, skill up-gradation, design inputs, health facilities etc.
• The cluster development approach focuses on formation of weavers' groups as a visible entity so that the groups become self-sustainable. Cluster will be set up at Block level having concentration of Handlooms
• The details of the Components being sanctioned under Block Level Clusters are mentioned hereunder:
  1. Base Line Survey
  2. Product Development
  3. Documentation of Cluster Activities
  4. Technology Up-gradation
  5. Engagement of Fashion Textile Designer-cum-Marketing Executive
  6. Corpus fund for Yarn/marketing
  7. Skill Up-gradation
  8. Setting up of Common Facility Centre (CFC)
  9. Project Management Cost (PMC) (CDE appointment)
• The details of the funds sanctioned, releases and expenditure under CHCDS are furnished hereunder:
• Government of India have sanctioned (31) Common Facility Centers (CFCs) and released funds for (16) CFCs and the implementation is under progress.

(Rs. in Crs.)

SI. No.	No. of Clusters Sanctioned	Year of Sanction	No. of Beneficieries	Project Cost	GoI Releases
1	31	2015-16	26958	42.53	31.85

The details of the Block Level Handloom Clusters under CHCDS

National Handloom Development Program - A Central Sector Plan Scheme

• GoI formulated a new scheme "National Handloom Development Programme" (NHDP)(A Central Sector Plan Scheme) will follow need-based approach for integrated and holistic development of Handlooms and Welfare of Handloom Weavers. The scheme will support weavers, both within and outside the cooperative fold including Self Help Groups etc., towards Raw Material, Design Inputs, Technology Up-gradation, Marketing Support through Exhibitions, create permanent infrastructure in the form of Urban Haats, Marketing complexes etc.

Components of the Schemes

1. Small Cluster Development Programme
2. Handloom Marketing Assistance.
3. Need based Special Infrastructure Project
4. Mega Cluster Development Programme
5. Concessional Credit/Weaver MUDRA Scheme
6. Handloom Weavers' Welfare
7. Other Miscellaneous & Promotional Components
   1. Research & Development projects
   2. Handloom Census
   3. Publicity, Advertisement, Monitoring, Training & Evaluation of Scheme
   4. Education of weavers/their wards through National Institutes of Open Schooling (NIOS) / IGNOU
   5. Project Monitoring Cell
   6. Handloom Helpline Centre
   7. Earlier committed liabilities of NHDP, HWCWS, CHCDS, NERTPS etc.
8. Any other component

A. BLOCK LEVEL HANDLOOM CLUSTERS UNDER NHDP

B. CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (CDP) [EARLIER CALLED AS BLOCK LEVEL CLUSTERS - BLCS] UNDER NHDP DURING 2021-22 TO 2022-23

C. CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES (SCDPs) BEING IMPLEMENTED UNDER NHDP DURING 2023-24 TO 2024-25

D. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER OTHER THAN ASSISTED CLUSTERS:

• The Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA) Scheme aims to provide adequate and timely assistance from Banks to Handloom Weavers and Weaver Entrepreneurs.
• The Scheme is implemented both in Rural and Urban areas from September 2016.
• Margin money assistance @ 20% of the Project Cost subject to a maximum of Rs.25,000/- per Weaver will be provided.
• Handloom workers credit is valid for 3 years.
• The limit of Loan sanctioned to weaver ranges from Rs.50000/- to Rs. 10 Lakh.
• Margin money assistance of 20% of the project cost subject to a maximum of Rs.25,000/- per eligible handloom worker.
• Details of loans sanctioned are hereunder:

(Rs. in Crs.)

Sl.No.	Year	Weavers Benefitted	Amount sanctioned
1	2016-17	1,148	6.04
2	2017-18	10,781	54.89
3	2018-19	6,114	32.90
4	2019-20	3,931	25.16
5	2020-21	5,115	29.92
6	2021-22	3,553	25.04
7	2022-23	4,854	40.53
8	2023-24	3,439	31.61
9	2024-25 (Upto November, 2024)	1,647	17.13
	Total	40,582	263.22

• The objective of the scheme is to make available quality yarn and their blends to eligible Handloom Weavers at subsidized rates.
• The scheme is commenced from 2019-20.
• 15% subsidy will be provided by GoI under the scheme.
• The benefits would be available to Individual Weavers, SHGs, JLGs and Coop. Societies, Handloom Producer Company and Weaver Entrepreneurs.

The Scheme aims to provide additional marketing avenues to the Primary Handloom Weavers Coop. Societies to dispose of their stocks.

All Handloom fabrics produced in various States brought under one platform by conducting Handloom Expos at National, State & District level. The Weavers from different States exhibit their products and sell them on production prices.

• PMSBY is an accident insurance scheme that provides insurance cover in case of accidental death or disability of the policyholder. This policy is valid for one year from 1st June to 31st May and is renewable on an annual basis.
• Eligibility: Handlooms/Labourers aged 18-70 years.
• Benefits:
  1. Accidental Death Rs.2,00,000/-
  2. Permanent Total Disability Rs.2,00,000/-
  3. Permanent Partial Disability Rs.1,00,000/-
• Premium: The annual premium is Rs.20/-, of which Rs.12/- is borne by the Central Government to the handloom weavers.

• PMJJBY is an insurance scheme that provides insurance cover in case of death of the policyholder due to any reason. This policy is valid for one year from 1st June to 31st May and is renewable on an annual basis.
• Eligibility:Handlooms/Labourers aged 18-50 years.
• Benefits: Death due to any cause - Rs.2,00,000/-
• Premium: The annual premium is Rs.436/-, of which Rs.150/- is borne by the Central Government to the handloom weavers.

• The following Products were registered under Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999 pertaining to the Handlooms and Textiles Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh and the details are submitted hereunder as desired:

Sl. No.	App. No.	Geographical Indications	Date of Registration
1	122	Uppada Jamdani Sarees	05.03.2009
2	189	Venkatagiri Sarees	11.05.2011
3	198	Mangalagiri Sarees And Fabrics	15.01.2013
4	215	Dharmavaram Handloom Pattu Saree and Pavadas	31.03.2014