Baristha Bunakar Sahayata Yojana is a significant initiative launched by the Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, aimed at providing financial assistance to senior weavers in the state. This scheme is part of the government’s effort to support the weavers who have dedicated their lives to preserving the rich tradition of handloom weaving, a critical aspect of Odisha’s cultural heritage. The scheme focuses on ensuring financial stability and improving the living standards of senior weavers by providing them with a monthly pension.
The scheme acknowledges the invaluable contribution of weavers who, despite the challenges posed by modern mechanization, continue to keep the tradition of handloom weaving alive. The weavers of Odisha are renowned for their intricate IKAT designs, known locally as bandha or tie-dye designs, which are a testament to the state’s rich artistic heritage.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Name of the Yojana | Baristha Bunakar Sahayata Yojana |
| State | Odisha |
| Initiated By | Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik (now succeeded by Mohan Charan Majhi) |
| Yojana Overview | A pension scheme for senior weavers in Odisha to provide financial assistance and support their livelihoods. Beneficiaries aged 60-79 receive Rs. 500 per month, while those aged 80 and above receive Rs. 700 per month. |
| Beneficiaries | Senior weavers aged 60 and above, widows of weavers, and ancillary workers who have worked in the profession for at least 20 years. |
| Registration Process | Offline – Applications can be obtained from the Zonal Office of the Directorate of Textiles or the website of the Department of Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts. They must be submitted in duplicate with required documents to the Zonal Officer. |
| Official Website | Odisha Government Scheme PDF |
Table of Contents
Objectives of Baristha Bunakar Sahayata Yojana
The objectives of the scheme are comprehensive and designed to address various aspects of the weavers’ welfare:
- Financial Security: The primary objective is to provide financial security to senior weavers who have dedicated their lives to the weaving profession. This monthly pension ensures they have a stable income in their old age.
- Alleviating Financial Stress: By providing a regular monthly allowance, the scheme aims to alleviate financial stress among senior weavers, allowing them to meet their basic needs without depending on others.
- Preservation of Heritage: The scheme contributes to the preservation of Odisha’s handloom heritage by supporting the weavers who are the custodians of this tradition.
- Promoting Economic Stability: Ensuring financial stability for weavers helps in promoting overall economic stability within the community, encouraging younger generations to continue in the profession.
- Recognition of Contribution: It recognizes and rewards the lifelong efforts of weavers, providing them with the dignity and respect they deserve for their contribution to the state’s cultural heritage.
Registration Process
The registration process for the Baristha Bunakar Sahayata Yojana is primarily offline, ensuring it is accessible to all weavers, including those who may not have access to digital platforms.
Steps for Registration:
- Obtaining the Application Form: The application form can be obtained from the Zonal Office of the Directorate of Textiles or downloaded from the Department of Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts website.
- Filling the Application Form: Applicants must fill out the form accurately, providing all necessary details and ensuring all required documents are attached.
- Submission of the Application: The completed application form, along with the required documents, must be submitted in duplicate to the Zonal Officer (DDT/ADT). The Zonal Officer will then make necessary entries of the particulars in a register, maintaining a priority order based on the date of receipt of the application.
The application process emphasizes the importance of meeting eligibility criteria and having all required documents ready for a smooth and hassle-free registration.
More details about this yojana
The Baristha Bunakar Sahayata Yojana aims to provide financial assistance to weavers aged 60 and above. Under this scheme, weavers aged between 60 to 79 years receive a monthly pension of ₹500, while those aged 80 years and above receive ₹700 per month. The financial assistance is directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries to ensure transparency and ease of access.
The scheme covers about 8,000 beneficiaries, with the government allocating approximately ₹5 crore annually for its implementation. The primary objective is to provide a stable source of income to senior weavers, helping them lead a dignified life in their old age. This initiative is also a step towards recognizing and rewarding the lifelong efforts of weavers in sustaining the handloom tradition.
Benefits of this Yojana
The Baristha Bunakar Sahayata Yojana offers several benefits aimed at improving the lives of senior weavers:
- Monthly Pension: Eligible weavers receive a monthly pension of ₹500 if aged between 60 and 79 years, and ₹700 if aged 80 years and above.
- Direct Bank Transfer: The pension is directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries, ensuring timely and transparent disbursement of funds.
- Economic Stability: The monthly pension provides financial stability, helping senior weavers meet their daily needs and reduce dependency on family members.
- Social Security: The scheme acts as a social security measure for weavers, offering them financial support in their old age.
- Recognition and Respect: By providing financial assistance, the scheme acknowledges the hard work and dedication of weavers, giving them the respect and recognition they deserve.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Baristha Bunakar Sahayata Yojana, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age: The applicant must be 60 years of age or older.
- Work Experience: The applicant must have worked in the weaving profession for at least 20 years.
- Residency: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Odisha.
- Income: The family income of the applicant should not exceed ₹1,00,000 per annum, certified by the concerned Tahasildar.
- Weaver’s Identity Card: The applicant must possess a valid weaver’s identity card issued by the State or Central Government.
- No Other Assistance: The applicant should not be receiving any other monthly financial assistance or pension from the State or Central Government.
- No Criminal Conviction: The applicant should not have been convicted of any criminal offense, unless the conviction was not based on moral turpitude.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents to apply for the Baristha Bunakar Sahayata Yojana:
- Photographs: Three identical self-attested copies of recent passport-size color photographs.
- Weaver’s Identity Card: Self-attested copy of the Weavers Identity Card.
- Bank Pass Book: Self-attested xerox copy of the 1st page of the individual Savings Bank Pass Book showing photograph, full name, name of father/spouse, address, bank, branch, account number, IFSC, and MICR code details.
- Income Certificate: Certificate regarding total annual family income from the concerned Tahasildar.
- Proof of Age: Proof of age such as Electoral Photo Identity Card, AADHAAR Card, High School Certificate, or Birth Registration Certificate.
- Affidavit: An affidavit stating that the applicant is not in receipt of any such assistance from either the State or Central Government.
