About this employment scheme
National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) is the comprehensive flagship scheme of the Ministry of Textiles for development of handloom sector in India. India has 35+ lakh handloom weavers — the second largest employment sector after agriculture. NHDP (12th/15th Finance Commission period) integrates multiple earlier schemes: Handloom Weavers' Comprehensive Welfare Scheme, Yarn Supply Scheme, Handloom Marketing Assistance, and Cluster Development. Key components: (1) Weaver Credit Card (WCC): Collateral-free revolving credit up to ₹2 lakh at 7% for yarn purchase and working capital; (2) Yarn Supply Scheme: Subsidized yarn supply through NHDC (National Handloom Development Corporation) depots; (3) MUDRA loans via Handloom Development Banks: Collateral-free business loans; (4) Handloom Cluster development: Infrastructure (common facility centres, yarn depots, training halls); (5) Marketing support: India Handloom Brand, Haat events, international marketing at textile fairs; (6) SAMARTH in-situ training: Skill upgradation at weavers' homes — ₹8,000-10,000 stipend/month.
Programme snapshot
| Scheme Name | National Handloom Development Programme 2026 — Weaver Loans, Training & Marketing for Handloom Weavers |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Year | 2012 |
| Benefit | Weaver Credit Card up to ₹2 lakh at 7% + Subsidized yarn + Free marketing at India Handloom Haat + India Handloom Brand certification + SAMARTH in-situ training + Cluster infrastructure |
| Category | Employment |
| Last Verified | 9 September 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://handlooms.nic.in |
What workers receive
Weaver Credit Card up to ₹2 lakh at 7% + Subsidized yarn + Free marketing at India Handloom Haat + India Handloom Brand certification + SAMARTH in-situ training + Cluster infrastructure
Which workers qualify
- ✓Registered handloom weavers (registration with state handloom department)
- ✓For Weaver Credit Card: Active handloom weaver with state registration certificate
- ✓For NHDC yarn subsidy: Registered weavers can purchase from NHDC depots at below-market price
- ✓For India Handloom Brand: Handloom products must be 100% handwoven (no power loom) — verified by state authority
- ✓For cluster development: Groups of 50+ weavers organized as SHG/cooperative/producer company
Documents required at enrolment
Registration process
- 1Register as handloom weaver at nearest state Handloom/Textiles Department (free registration)
- 2For Weaver Credit Card: Apply at nearest bank (SBI, Union Bank, Bank of India empanelled) with weaver registration certificate
- 3For NHDC yarn: Visit nearest NHDC yarn depot (list at nhdc.nic.in) with weaver card
- 4For India Handloom Brand: Apply at handlooms.nic.in → Brand section → submit product samples for 'hand woven' certification
- 5For SAMARTH training: Contact nearby SAMARTH-empanelled training centre or state Handloom Directorate
Official Government Portal
Applications go through handlooms.nic.in only. Applying is free of charge — no agent, middleman or "consultant" is ever required.
🔗Apply on handlooms.nic.in