Odisha launches pension scheme for weavers

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday launched 'Baristha Bunakar Sahayata Yojana', a pension scheme for weaver community in the state.

He announced the scheme, under which the state government would provide Rs 500 pension to the weavers, on the occasion of National Handloom Day.

The beneficiary must have worked at least preceding 20 years in the weaving profession and attained 60 years to avail the benefits under the pension scheme, said Patnaik, adding weavers, who have attained 80 years of age, would get Rs 700 pension per month.

The pension would be transferred directly to the bank account of the weavers.

The state government has initiated several welfare programmes for the weaver community, which had carved a niche at the global level due to their enriching weaving talent, said the Chief Minister.

Official sources said about 8,000 beneficiaries would be covered under the scheme while the government would bear Rs 5 crore annually to implement the scheme.

--IANS

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