STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: To preserve the handloom industry of Sualkuchi, the All Kamrup District Students' Union (AKDSU) has demanded a Rs 100-crore package to the Assam Government.
In this regard, through Handloom and Textile director Kavita Deka, the AKDSU sent a memorandum to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Handloom and Textile Minister Ranjit Dutta.
According to the AKDSU, the Rs 100-crore package will revive the handloom sector which has been devastated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "We express our gratitude to the State government for their assistance to the weavers. However, the government will have to do more to uplift the condition of these weavers and the industry," said the AKDSU.
Among other demands, the memorandum seeks loans at 50 per cent subsidized rates for the weavers of various villages including Bansar, Halo Gaon, Bamundi under Hajo Circle Office along with Sualkuchi. The union stated that the government should buy the produce of the weavers of Kamrup district and the required raw materials should be supplied at fair price. It also demanded that Sualkuchi should be declared as 'Handloom Cluster' by the Assam Government.