Odisha handlooms, textiles and handicrafts minister, Snehangini Chhuria at a review meeting in Sambalpur with senior officials of the concerned departments has directed them to come out with a Rs 500-crore plan for the betterment of the weavers’ community in the state.

According to the minister, weavers are leaving their traditional profession for various reasons particularly due to lack of financial support. Hence, the ministry needs to take proactive measures to deal with the situation and also to ensure that weavers are not leaving the profession for which the state has earned fame both nationally and globally.

The officials have been asked to prepare a report highlighting the problems of the weavers particularly of western Odisha and prepare a plan ensuring holistic development of the weavers’ community in the state.

Chhurai said the plan needs to be chalked out in such a way that it attracts the weavers for the new ideas, financial assistance and better marketing facility.