Preamble

EXTRAORDINARY PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY

N o . 6 9 4 , C U T T A C K , T U E SD A Y , A P R I L 1 1 , 2 0 1 7 / C H A I T R A 2 1 , 1 9 3 9

[No. 1696–II Tex.–116/2016/H,T & H.] HANDLOOMS, TEXTILES AND HANDICRAFTS DEPARTMENT RESOLUTION The 3rd April, 2017 Sub: IMPLEMENTATION OF BARISTHA BUNAKAR SAHAYATA YOJANA”

1. (BBSY) FOR WEAVERS OF ODISHA. Introduction: Odisha is famous for its handloom products with intricate IKAT designs, which is popularly known as bandha (tie-dye) design. The handloom weaving in the State is a part

of its great cultural heritage and the artistry of the weavers is transferred from generation

to generation which has kept the tradition alive amidst fast mechanization. Hand-woven fabric produced in different parts of Odisha draws inspiration from the nature and the strength lies in innovative and intricate designs woven/ produced by the weavers of the State. As per the report of the National Handloom Census 2009-2010, the State has 40683 weaver households working on 43652 handlooms. The bulk of weaver households come from the other backward castes/scheduled castes/schedule tribe communities who reside in clusters in rural areas. Long years of strenuous working with yarns, dyes & chemicals, weaving creative, intricate and iconic designs on handloom, they are torch bearers to the ancient weaving heritage unique to Odisha. Equally, their specialized skills are internalized within the young in the family and thus contribute irreplaceably keeping the legacy alive from generation to generation. In recognition of their unparalleled contribution, and as a security support to aid

their Old age, it is proposed to provide “BARISTHA BUNAKAR SAHAYATA YOJANA” to

weavers of 60 years and above. Short Title and Commencement: