Textiles Minister Shivanand Patil
Credit: DH Photo/Prashanth H G
Bengaluru: In the last five years, 51 weavers have died by suicide in the state, Textiles Minister Shivanand Patil told the Legislative Council on Tuesday.
Taking part in a debate on the issue, Congress member Umashree demanded the government to bring in some permanent compensation scheme even for weavers, in case of deaths due to debt.
“Like farmers, the government must introduce some scheme even for the weavers to provide them compensation when they end their lives due to debt,” she urged.
Minister Patil said there are no such schemes in the department, but the government has given compensation to the families of the weavers from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
“In 2020-21 and 2021-22, we have given compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to 25 weavers families from the Chief Minister Relief Fund,” the minister told the House.
Following the reply, Umashree demanded the government even to consider power loom weavers and not just hand loom workers while giving compensation.
The minister clarified, “For power looms, the government is giving subsidy up to Rs 2 crore and we cannot extend compensation to them.”
Not good, says Umashree
When the members started insisting the minister to consider power looms for compensation, he asked Umashree to accompany him for a meeting with the chief minister, saying that she is dear to the chief minister.
Umashree objected to his statement and said, “It is not good if you keep saying I am dear to the chief minister.”