The Group Workshed Scheme is launched by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, to support the establishment of worksheds for shuttleless looms in both existing and new clusters. The goal is to promote powerloom sector competitiveness, provide better infrastructure, and improve the work environment and productivity of weavers by enabling collective operations through group-based workshed facilities.
Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)
• Applicable to powerloom clusters
• Support for construction of worksheds for shuttleless looms
• Scale of economy through cluster-based group setup
• Financial subsidy based on beneficiary category
Benefits
• Shuttleless Looms: 400 sq. ft. per loom
• Weaving Preparatory Area: 40% of loom area
• Dormitory Space: 125 sq. ft. per person
Subsidy Chart:
| Category | Subsidy % on Unit Cost | Max Subsidy/Sq.ft |
|---|---|---|
| General | 40% | ₹400 |
| SC | 75% | ₹750 |
| ST | 90% | ₹900 |
Eligibility
• Minimum of 4 powerloom weavers/entrepreneurs, each having separate legal entities
• Must have at least 24 shuttleless looms (width up to 230 cm) or 16 wider width shuttleless looms (230 cm and above)
• Each member must own a minimum of 4 looms
• Only TUFS-compatible machinery is allowed
• Eligible Beneficiaries:
• State Government or its agency
• Registered co-operative society
• Powerloom association
• Company/firm under Companies Act, 1956 or LLP Act, 2008
Application Process
Offline Only
• Advertisements for applications are released in newspapers
• Interested beneficiaries must respond and apply through the prescribed format as per advertisement
Documents Required
• Legal registration documents of entity (Co-operative Society / Company / LLP / Association)
• Ownership documents of looms and machinery
• Powerloom unit details and layout plan
• Proof of TUFS-compatible machinery
• Any other document as demanded by the Textile Commissioner
• The Textile Commissioner has the authority to request inspection and verify documents at any stage
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the purpose of the Group Workshed Scheme?
A: To support powerloom weavers in setting up group-based worksheds for shuttleless looms, improving scale and work conditions.
Q: Who can apply under the scheme?
A: State agencies, co-operative societies, LLPs, companies, and local powerloom associations with a group of at least 4 weavers.
Q: What is the maximum subsidy a general category beneficiary can receive?
A: 40% of construction cost, capped at ₹400 per sq. ft.
Q: How many looms are required for eligibility?
A: At least 24 shuttleless looms (up to 230 cm) or 16 wider looms (230 cm and above).
Q: Are only new clusters eligible?
A: No, both existing and new clusters are eligible.
Q: Is the scheme applicable to SC/ST weavers?
A: Yes, with higher subsidy benefits—SC: 75%, ST: 90% (up to ₹750/₹900 per sq. ft.).
Q: Is TUFS compatibility mandatory?
A: Yes, only TUFS-compatible machinery is permitted under the scheme.