Textiles Minister Smriti Irani has reiterated the belief in cooperative federalism and appealed to Ministers and State Representatives to play pivotal role in decision making for the growth of Textiles sector.

Chairing a meeting of State Textile Ministers in New Delhi today, Ms Irani emphasized the need for all-round development of weavers and artisans.

She asked officials at Centre and State to ensure benefits of all Government Schemes including Ujwala Yojana, Swachhta Abhiyan reach them along with Textile Ministry's initiatives.

The Minister said, India Handloom Brand launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a bridge between weaver, manufacturer and consumer ensuring increased earnings for weavers and quality products for consumers.

She urged everyone to exhort stakeholders to join India handloom brand. She also urged Ministers to set a target and regularly review activities at Handloom and Handicraft clusters. She also emphasised on increasing education among weavers and artisans and their families by encouraging them to enrol with NIOS or IGNOU through Textiles Ministry.

In his address, Textiles Secretary Anant Kumar Singh said, a lot more needs to be done to provide better opportunities for weavers.

Speaking to media after the meeting, Minister of State for Textiles Ajay Tamta said, the special meeting was held focusing on handloom and handicrafts and the focus was on coordination between Centre and States.

He said, facilities to weavers including insurance, subsidies, marketing, education to their children was also discussed during the meeting.

Mr Tamta said, many Ministers from states and officials participated in the meeting.