What is National Handloom Development Programme?
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.
National Handloom Development Programme — Quick Overview
| 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 | 27 May 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://handlooms.nic.in |
Benefits of National Handloom Development Programme
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
Who is Eligible for National Handloom Development Programme?
- ✓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 for National Handloom Development Programme
How to Apply for National Handloom Development Programme Online?
- 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