Bhubaneswar, Oct. 1: The state government has decided to create an Aadhaar-linked database of traditional handloom weavers and handicraft artisans to include these targeted groups under incentive-oriented and social security schemes.

A decision in this regard was taken last week at a meeting of officials, presided by chief secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi.

According to the census conducted in 2009-10, there were more than 1.03 lakh weavers working in the state and more than 1.29 handicraft artisans enumerated during the headcount in 2001-02.

The state government has taken up various welfare schemes meant for weavers such as providing them work sheds and solar lanterns, financial assistance to elderly weavers, health insurance cover, supply of yarns through raw material bank and arranging training and exposure trips for skill development of weavers and artisans of the state.

Moreover, the state government is also implementing Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana, constructing work sheds and dwelling units for handicraft artisans, supplying solar lanterns to the families of the artisan and making promotional efforts for handicraft goods.

Chief secretary Padhi directed the officials to expedite grounding of the newly constituted handloom and handicrafts development council and formulate more effective and realistic action plans for the weavers and craftsmen.

He advised the officials to form strategies to make the existing schemes more effective to boost the income and promote welfare of the beneficiaries.

It was decided in the meeting that efforts would be taken to back the apparel-making and power loom sectors to create more employment opportunities for weavers and artisans.

The chief secretary asked the officials to ensure proper implementation of project proposals under the Odisha Apparel Policy and facilitate early release of fiscal incentives.

It was also decided to set up apparel incubation centres in Bhubaneswar. In the proposed centre, there will be three incubators and three new entrepreneurs will work under it.

Hundred machines will be provided to each entrepreneur. The proposed incubation centre will create employment opportunities for about 600 youths.

This apart, the city-based handicrafts museum will be developed as a centre of excellence. Cultural programmes, exhibitions, tourism festivals, children festivals and workshops will be held on the museum premises.