Nekar Samman Yojana: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the then Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa launched the Nekar Samman Yojana on July 6, 2020, as a relief measure for destitute weavers of Karnataka. This project targeted yarn suppliers associated with both handlooms and power looms, whose livelihoods were severely affected during the pandemic. Managed by the Department of Handlooms and Textiles, the aim of this project is to protect and promote the interests of small-scale textile businesses by providing direct financial assistance.
The Nekar Samman Yojana will help weavers expand their business. The state government has approved 10.96 crore rupees for the successful implementation of this project.
Nekar Samman Yojana: Overview
| Yojana Name | Nekar Samman Yojana |
| Initiative By | Karnataka Government |
| Launched By | B.S Yediyurappa |
| Launched Date | July 6, 2020 |
| Aim | To provide one-time help, Rs. 2000 |
| Beneficiaries | Handloom Weavers |
| Official Website | sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in |
Objective of Nekar Samman Yojana:
The purpose of the state government in launching this project is to support the weavers of the state. Through this project, the Karnataka state government aims to promote the weaving industry of the state. The poor craftsmen of the weaving industry will benefit from this project.
How the Nekar Samman Yojana Works:
In Karnataka, there are approximately 54,786 registered weavers who work with silk, cotton, wool, and other related activities. The government plans to support these skilled workers with an annual assistance of Rs 2,000. In the first phase, about 19,744 weavers received this amount directly through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The annual budget for this project is estimated at around Rs 10.96 crore.
So far, 40,634 weavers have registered on the Seva Sindhu portal, and 37,314 applications have been approved. Additionally, the government is providing Rs 2,000 as one-time assistance to workers in the powerloom sector, and the money has been transferred to the bank accounts of 8,897 eligible workers out of an estimated 1.25 lakh.
Eligibility Criteria for Nekar Samman Yojana:
- The beneficiary must be a resident of Karnataka. They must have a valid resident certificate.
- All weavers and financially distressed workers in the state who are associated with weaving and allied activities, such as cotton, wool, and silk, are eligible for this award.
- Prospective beneficiaries must have an active bank account.
Required Documents Nekar Samman Yojana:
To avail these benefits, you must meet the following requirements:
- Aadhaar Card
- Ration Card
- Proof of Residence
- Bank Account Details
- Income Details
- Recent Passport-sized Photograph
- Active Mobile Number.
Application Process for Nekar Samman Yojana:
The complete process for weavers to apply by filling out the Karnataka Nekar Samman Yojana online registration form is given below:-
- Check the official website sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in of the Karnataka government.
- Select the COVID-related services section and sign up.
- Fill out the Nekar Samman Yojana online registration form with the required details.
- Submit the form to register and qualify for benefits.
Benefits of the Nekar Samman Yojana:
- Through direct benefit transfer, nearly 19,744 weavers receive financial assistance of Rs.2,000 annually.
- A total of Rs.10.96 crore for the support of weavers.
- The registration and approval process will be easier through the Sheba Sindhu portal.
- Selected power loom sector workers will receive a one-time financial assistance of Rs. 2,000.
- Supports the welfare and financial stability of weavers and loom workers.
Important Notes:
Currently, under the Nekar Samman scheme, the state government is transferring Rs.3,000 (soon to be increased to Rs.5,000) to provide financial assistance to all weavers in the state registered on the Seva Sindhu portal. In the first phase, during the Chief Minister’s launch, Rs.2,000 was directly transferred to the bank accounts of 19,744 weavers in the state. In the next phase, the assistance amount was increased to Rs.3,000 and it will now be increased further. Every year, all registered weavers under the Seva Sindhu portal receive financial assistance once.