Textiles Minister Pledges Handloom Protection, Tech-Led Growth in West Bengal

• Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh discussed strengthening the handloom sector in West Bengal through policy support, technology integration, and market access.
• Singh assured protection for handloom weavers from unfair competition by power looms and announced school uniforms would be sourced exclusively from handwoven fabric.
• He highlighted GI-tagged sarees like Shantipuri, Baluchari, and Tangail, noting potential export opportunities through trade agreements with the US and EU.
• The minister emphasized strengthening marketing linkages via Mahatma Gandhi Gram Vikas Yojana and using AI for quality sampling to boost global competitiveness.
• Discussions with research institutes focused on adopting new technologies to enhance productivity, quality, and sustainability in traditional textile ecosystems.