UP CM Yogi Adityanath gives grant for solar power plants to weavers

A grant is being given under the Chief Minister Weaver Solar Energy Scheme to save weavers’ electricity costs

NEW DELHI | Updated: 15 January, 2023 5:46 pm IST

CM Yogi Adityanath’s decision will give a boost to the powerloom weavers in India

In a move that could ease the financial burden of the weavers in the state, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has decided to provide grants to powerloom weavers for setting up solar power plants.

The move will reduce weavers’ dependence on conventional electricity and could also cut down on their expenses. The move is expected to be a big boost for the weavers in the state.

“Under the ‘Chief Minister Weaver Solar Energy Scheme’, weavers will be given grants to set up solar power plants to run their units, while women weavers will be given special benefits,” a government official said.

The UP government’s initiative will help thousands of weavers in Varanasi, the constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which is famous across the world for its Banarasi saree.

Arun Kumar Kuril, the assistant commissioner of handloom and textile industries in Varanasi Zone, said, “The grants will be made available under the Chief Minister’s Weaver Solar Energy Scheme. For general powerloom weavers, the government will give 50 per cent of the total cost of the solar plant. The remaining 50 per cent or additional amount will be borne by the beneficiary himself or by taking a loan from the bank.”

“On the other hand, the UP government will give a grant of 75 per cent of the cost of a solar power plant to the SC/ST powerloom weavers, while 25 per cent will be borne by the beneficiary himself, or by taking a loan from the bank,” he added.

Solar power plants with a capacity of up to 10 KW will be proposed by the approved Zonal Level Committee while those above 10 KW will be proposed by the State Level Committee.

Talking about the benefits to women weavers, Kuril said, “At least 10 per cent of women weavers will also be given the benefit of the scheme. A total of 2,50,000 powerloom units are working in Uttar Pradesh, through which 5,50,000 weavers are earning their living.”