Issues of affordable yarn, policy support, and minority welfare raised in New Delhi meetings
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – A delegation of Malegaon weavers recently visited the national capital to highlight the challenges faced by the power loom industry. The group, comprising local leaders and weavers, met with Union Minister for Textiles Giriraj Singh, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, and Minister for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale, among others, to discuss issues plaguing the sector and the Muslim community.
During their hour-long meeting with Giriraj Singh, the delegation underscored the rising costs of yarn sourced from South India and the disparity in prices for finished textiles sold in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat. They appealed for the central government’s intervention in introducing practical and affordable schemes to aid power loom manufacturers.
The weavers explained that Malegaon’s textile industry heavily relies on basic power looms, which are struggling due to economic challenges and a lack of government support. Minister Giriraj Singh assured the delegation of forthcoming measures in the budget to address their grievances and promised special benefits for power loom owners and workers.
The delegation also expressed concerns about the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, which has created unease among Muslims. Detailed objections to the bill were presented to the Ministry of Minority Affairs. Additionally, the group highlighted the lack of access to government scholarships for minority students pursuing higher education. Minister Rijiju assured the delegation of a comprehensive review of the scholarship program.
The meetings were facilitated by AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, with support from MPs Imtiaz Jalil and Mufti Muhammad Ismail. The Malegaon representatives, including Advocate Momin Mujeeb Ahmed, Muhammad Yasin Jawahar, and others, were also joined by prominent leaders from the region.
The delegation extended their advocacy to leaders such as Sharad Pawar and Balasaheb Thorat, and discussed broader issues affecting the weaving community. They emphasised that long-term policy changes are essential to support the struggling industry.
These discussions reflect the growing need for government action to ensure the sustainability of Malegaon’s power loom sector while addressing broader concerns of minority welfare. The weavers left New Delhi hopeful for positive developments in the upcoming budget and policy initiatives.
