Government’s helpline for handloom weavers, ‘Bunkar Mitra’ has become operational. The helpline provides a single point of contact to handloom weavers across the country for addressing queries and providing guidance. Weavers can call from anywhere in India, from any number, and their queries will be answered by the experts in the field.

Interacting with an official of the call centre housing the helpline agents, textiles minister Smriti Irani said that the helpline is a great mix of technology, youth and tradition. She told the officials of the ministry to monitor issues on which maximum complaints are received, so that corrective actions can be taken accordingly.

Irani congratulated the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) and appreciated the time-bound manner in which the helpline is designed to address and respond to weavers’ queries and grievances.

The new helpline can be accessed by dialing the toll free number 1800-208-9988. The service is available from 10.00 a.m. to 06.00 p.m. on all 7 days of the week, in seven languages: Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Kannada and Assamese.

Through the helpline, weavers can avail services related to assistance on technical issues, and also seek guidance for raw material supply, availing credit facility, quality control, access to marketing linkages, and information about various schemes and procedures to avail benefits.

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