Swanirbhar Naari Scheme witnesses a surge of 6.39% in registered weavers, with a 41.23% increase in disbursement for weavers during 2023–2024

Guwahati: From Bihu buzz to bustling markets, Assam's traditional weaves are stealing the show with their gamusas and mekhela sadors. Now endowed with GI tags, these handwoven attires not only showcase culture but also support indigenous weavers. From vibrant 'fulam gamusas' to opulent silk varieties, each piece tells a story. 

Enter Swanirbhar Naari, empowering weavers through direct procurement and financial backing. The project is now 600,000 weavers strong, Business North East has learned.

Over one year, from April 2023 to April 2024, the scheme witnessed significant participation, with 92,573 weavers applying. Of these, 84,731 were approved, leading to the procurement of 6,500 items, totaling a manufacturing output of 358,166 products valued at Rs 1,17,053,067. The total number of registered weavers under the scheme now stands at 600,924, with 5,54,892 gamusas procured worth Rs 19,24,52,082. 

In the preceding year, 92,573 weavers have applied, out of which 84,731 weavers were approved. The scheme has managed to procure 14,573 products totaling Rs 1,36,312,445.

Although there has been no significant change in the number of approved weavers, the number of registered weavers has experienced a surge of approximately 6.39%. However, there has been a notable decline of approximately 55.43% in procurement. The financial disbursement has seen a considerable surge of approximately 41.23%.

Meanwhile, 78 centres for sale have been established across all the districts.

According to the Directorate of Handloom & Textiles, Assam, the Swanirbhar Naari scheme's inaugural phase, from July 19, 2022, to September 3, 2022, attracted 5,08,351 weavers, with 4,80,080 successfully enrolled.

The scheme featured 33 benchmark products across 12 categories, with procurement activities conducted over 52 days from January 13, 2023, to March 30, 2023, across 100 centers, later reduced to 71. A total of 11,907 weavers participated, procuring 1,96,726 items and disbursing Rs 7,58,71,260.

The subsequent phase, spanning June 9, 2023, to July 31, 2023, attracted 92,573 applications, with 84,731 weavers successfully registered. This phase featured 16 benchmark products across 10 categories. Procurement activities conducted from December 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, across 44 centers saw 4,674 weavers participating, procuring 2,13,607 items amounting to Rs 7,43,61,140. The latter part of this phase, from January 20, 2024, to February 19, 2024, across 25 centers, saw 3,264 weavers procuring 1,44,559 items, totaling Rs 4,22,19,682.

Cumulatively, 5,64,811 weavers successfully registered across both phases, procuring a staggering 5,54,892 items, with a total disbursement of Rs. 19,24,52082. Further, 82,521 items to ARTFED and 10,943 to AGMC were allocated for distribution. As of April 8, 2024, sales recorded amounted to 2,293 items, generating revenue totaling Rs. 5,58,669/-.

The recent records from the department say that district-wise, during the initial phase, spanning from July 19, 2022, to March 30, 2023, 18,407 weavers registered. In Bajali, where 609 weavers generated revenue of Rs 57,32,680/-, and Nalbari, with 1,628 weavers contributing Rs 1,24,12,510/-, 429 weavers from Bongaigaon contributed  Rs 1,00,58,580, 3,293  weavers from Chirang contributed  Rs 1,00,58,580, and 1,628 weavers from Nalbari contributed Rs 1,24,12,510. Kamrup district, with 1,335 weavers involved, procured 50,234 units, and contributed Rs 2,63,85,877/-

In the second phase from June 9, 2023, to February 19, 2024, districts like Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, and Goalpara displayed notable engagement. Nalbari emerged as a significant contributor again, with 1,628 weavers generating Rs 76,94,725, while Kamrup (M) district showcased a steady performance, with 197 weavers participating and procuring 4,776 units, reflecting a revenue of Rs 13,93,435/- Overall, 18,407 weavers actively participated, procuring 5,54,892 units and amounting to Rs. 19,24,52,082.

The gamusas produced under this scheme represent the cultural diversity of Assam's different tribes, From the affordable Fulam Gamusas ranging between Rs 176 and Rs 260 to the luxurious Silk Gamusas priced from Rs 1095 to Rs 1325, each textile reflects a unique aspect of Assamese heritage.

The intricate designs and vibrant colors of Aronai Gamusas, are priced between Rs 230 and Rs 320, Similarly, Karbi Phos, priced from Rs 260 to Rs 405, capture the essence of the Karbi community's cultural heritage. Other textiles, like the Manipuri Khudei Angabastr at Rs 150 and the Koch Rajbongshi Gamusa at Rs 210, offer glimpses into the weaving traditions of various communities across Assam. These diverse price ranges not only cater to different budgets but also highlight the skill and artistry of local artisans, making Assam's textiles truly unique and culturally significant.

Moreover, the scheme's registration process in Assam has seen widespread engagement across districts. According to the reports, In Bajali, 15,442 applications were received, out of which 14,580 were approved, showcasing a commendable acceptance rate. Robust participation was observed in Baksa, Barpeta, and Biswanath, with registration numbers ranging from 16,654 to 31,260, the majority of which were approved.

Despite being one of the most populous districts, Kamrup witnessed effective processing, with 58,938 out of 62,242 applications approved. However, Karimganj reported a relatively high number of rejected applications (1,759 out of 5,616), emphasizing the need for adherence to eligibility criteria. Nalbari and Darrang also demonstrated substantial participation, with 36,802 and 23,916 applications received, respectively. Although West Karbi Anglong reported fewer registrations at 5,087, the majority were approved, indicating potential for further outreach in under-served areas.

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