Package for weavers inadequate, says Mayawati

Lucknow Dec 24: Terming the package announced by the Centre for weavers as inadequate, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati demanded at least 30 per cent grant to them on purchase of yarn and total waiver of their loans.

"Ten per cent grant on yarn under the central package for weavers is not enough. At least 30 per cent grant be provided to weavers on puchase of yarn and the entire burden of waiver of weavers' loans should be borne by the central government,", Mayawati said in a statement here.

Noting that weavers had long been demanding proper price for their product, she said it was the Centre's responsibility to fulfil their demand as it is made available through the National Handloom Development Corporation.

There are about 2.5 lakh handloom weavers of which the majority belong to the Muslim community, she said adding that majority of them are living below the poverty line and they need help to produce products which can sustain in the market.

PTI