CM Yogi Adityanath Honors Weavers on National Handloom Day 2026, Distributes Aid and Signs Export MoUs

Lucknow — Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday observed National Handloom Day 2026 at Lok Bhavan by touring an exhibition of handloom products and felicitating outstanding weavers with the Sant Kabir State-Level Handloom Awards.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister distributed financial assistance cheques to beneficiaries of two flagship schemes: the Mukhyamantri Handloom and Powerloom Industry Development Scheme and the Jhalkari Bai Kori Handloom and Powerloom Development Scheme. 

To boost marketing and exports of handloom products, the state also facilitated the exchange of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with several leading institutions.

Focus on Weaver Welfare and Industry Growth
Textiles and Handloom Minister Rakesh Sachan presented the Chief Minister with an artwork of Radha-Krishna made on a handloom. He said the day marks a celebration of India’s weaving tradition, indigenous culture, and the resolve for an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Sachan added that more than 3 lakh handlooms are currently operational across the state, and the government is continuously working on the economic, technical, and social empowerment of weavers.

Under the Mukhyamantri Handloom and Powerloom Industry Development Scheme, financial assistance has already been provided to 2,489 handloom weavers and 1,315 powerloom weavers. 

Under the Jhalkari Bai Kori Handloom and Powerloom Development Scheme, 2,796 handloom weavers and 1,466 powerloom weavers have received support.

The Uttar Pradesh State Handloom Corporation reported a profit of around Rs 38 lakh this year, which officials cited as a sign of growth in the state’s handloom sector.

Push for Textiles and Exports
The Chief Minister said upcoming projects such as the PM Mitra Mega Textile Park and the proposed Sant Kabir Textile Parks will give new momentum to the textile industry and create employment opportunities.

The Directorate of Handloom and Textile Industry, Uttar Pradesh, signed key MoUs with the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC), Tanera - Tata Group, BTDC, International Fashion Business Exchange Council (IFBEC), and other organizations to strengthen marketing, branding, and export linkages for state handloom products.

Officials said the agreements are aimed at connecting local weavers to national and international markets and ensuring better prices and wider reach for Uttar Pradesh’s traditional handloom fabrics.