Prime Minister, Narendra Modi today said, “Textile sector gives employment to poorest of the poor as all sections of the society are integrated in this industry.”
In his first visit to Varanasi after Lok Sabha polls, Mr. Modi said “After agriculture, if there is a sector that is generating maximum employment, it is textiles.” Pitching for technology upgradation of the sector he said, “A huge global e-commerce market awaits our textile sector. It is up to us to harness this opportunity and take Indian textile sector to a global scale,” Mr. Modi exhorted.
“Your design, your work, your service – this is a great legacy we have in Varanasi. A big market is waiting for Banarasi sarees.” We need research towards technology upgradation for which work has started. HRD is also important,” Prime Minister said.
Praising the weaver community, he said, “Just like the way the weavers weave clothes, this sector weaves together all the sections of the society.” “The people of Varanasi have made me their own. I am here with my people,” Mr. Modi added.
He addressed the weaver community during the foundation stone laying ceremony of a Weavers Trade Facilitation Centre there and a crafts museum aimed at uplifting the lot of weavers and craftsmen.
The weavers’ centre would work as a centre for design and production of handlooms. It will also function as a platform for small weavers to directly sell their produce to big buyers, eliminating middlemen and increasing their profit.
Majority of the weavers in Varanasi hailed from the Muslim community, making intricate Banarasi zari sarees. Many OBCs are also involved in the ancient art of weaving.
Mr. Modi will formally adopt Jayapur village under the ‘Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana’. He will also interact with villagers there. Modi is on a two-day visit to his Lok Sabha constituency.