The Maharashtra government is taking steps to address issues within the state's power loom industry by forming a study group. This group, led by Textile Minister Chandrakant Patil, will focus on recommending modifications to the recently launched textile policy to better serve the power loom sector. Notably, Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh from Bhiwandi will be part of this group, aiming to address the concerns raised by power loom operators in the state.

Patil highlighted the collaborative efforts involved in crafting the new textile policy and stressed the need for increased support for the industry. The study group will be allocated resources to visit power loom centers, enabling them to compile a comprehensive proposal. Additionally, the government plans to distribute 24 lakh sarees exclusively produced by Maharashtra's power looms to women below the poverty line.

While appreciating the inclusion of power loom cloth products in the sari distribution initiative, Sheikh advocated similar considerations for handlooms. He also urged the prompt clearance of pending subsidy-related files for power loom operators.

In a written response, Patil provided a detailed overview of the power loom landscape in Maharashtra, citing approximately 1,270,000 looms in the state. Emphasizing the sector's crucial role in employment and revenue generation, he underscored the Integrated and Sustainable Textile Policy 2023-28's significance in attracting investment and creating job opportunities over the next five years.