On the 7th of August 2016, the government of Odisha launched the Baristha Bunakar Sahayata Yojana, a scheme launched to benefit the elderly weavers.
The scheme was launched by the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on the occasion of the second National Handlooms Day. Considering the financial conditions of weavers living in the villages of the nation is not good and they lack the resources and financial assistance.
Via Odisha Weaver Pension Scheme – Key Points
- This Scheme is valid for the elderly weavers of Odisha (Whose age is more than 60 years)
- As per this Yojana, a monthly pension will be given.
- Around8000 weavers will be benefited by this scheme
- The pension amount will be transferred directly to the bank accounts of eligible weavers
Pension Amount
- For Weavers above 60 years – INR. 500 per month
- For Weavers above 80 years – INR. 700 per month
As per a report, there are about 1.5 lakh weavers in the state of Odisha. Most of the women are also engaged in the handloom products. It seems that this is a good step forward by the government.
Objective of the scheme
- The Baristha Bunakar Yojana is aimed at improving the financial status of the weavers within the state of Odisha
- It focuses on the senior weavers of the state to allow them to be able to save up some amount of money before retirement
- The scheme also is subject to poor financial conditions leading to many of the young being unemployed.
Implementation of the scheme
Since it has been first inaugurated by the Odisha government, on a primary stage it focuses on helping the financial conditions of 8000 weavers. The men, who have been working in this field for more than 20 years, shall attain complete benefits of the scheme.
How will the weavers receive the pension?
The pension amounts shall be sent directly to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries and thus they are relieved from the hassle of coming up and collecting their pension amount.
Conclusion
Although this Weaver Pension scheme is good, it only helps the elderly people (Aging 60+). This is a good step ahead but not for all will not benefit from the scheme. As only the elderly Bunakars (weavers) are going to receive full financial benefits. The future of the weaving industry in Odisha lies in the hand of young weavers of the state. It would have been really great if this scheme could have provided some financial help to young weavers too.
The scheme does not in any manner support or encourage the young weavers of the state.