Cabinet clears Mukhyamantri Hastatanta Bikas Yojana

Bhubaneswar: In a major boost to Odisha’s traditional handloom industry and thousands of weaver families dependent on it, the Odisha Cabinet on Saturday approved the Mukhyamantri Hastatanta Bikas Yojana (MHBY), a flagship scheme aimed at inclusive and sustainable development of the State’s handloom sector.

The scheme, with a total budgetary provision of Rs. 589.10 crore over five years, seeks to modernize the handloom ecosystem while preserving Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, artistic excellence, and centuries-old weaving traditions. It focuses on improving livelihoods, enhancing skills, and positioning Odisha’s handlooms as a competitive force in national and international markets.

The Mukhyamantri Hastatanta Bikas Yojana encompasses ten key components:

• Karmashala Nirmana: Construction of hygienic, well-ventilated workspaces for weavers.
• Bhittibhumi Bikas: Infrastructure development for pre-loom, on-loom, and post-loom activities in handloom clusters.
• Dakhyata Bikas: Skill enhancement and employment generation for weavers and ancillary workers.
• Technology Intervention: Introduction of modern machinery to improve design capabilities and market adaptability.
• Promotion of Marketing Activities: Participation in expos and exhibitions to connect weavers directly with buyers.
• Brand Building & GI Registration: Protection and promotion of Odisha handlooms through Geographical Indication (GI) tags, trademarks, and aggressive publicity.
• Raw Material Bank: Ensuring steady supply of quality yarn, dyes, and chemicals at reasonable prices.
• IT & Innovation: Adoption of IT-based tools for better transparency and governance.
• Mukhyamantri Bunakar Samman Yojana: Awards for exceptionally skilled weavers in tie & dye, design, and weaving.
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Contingency: Regular assessment to ensure effective implementation and desired impact.
• The scheme is designed to increase the number of active weaver households, expand production, foster new-generation entrepreneurship, and promote value addition through design innovation and strategic marketing. It also aims to converge with other government departments for maximum synergy and long-term sustainability.

Speaking on the initiative, the government emphasised that the Mukhyamantri Hastatanta Bikas Yojana reaffirms Odisha’s commitment to empowering rural weavers, protecting traditional skills, and positioning the handloom sector as a key driver of inclusive growth and cultural preservation.