In July 2022, Assam launched the 'Swanirbhar Nari Yojana'. This scheme is primarily for which of the following groups?

The correct answer is Local weaver . Key Points The Swanirbhar Nari Yojana was officially launched by the Chief Minister of Assam , Himanta Biswa Sarma , on July 19, 2022 , at the Assam Administrative Staff College in Guwahati . This flagship initiative aims to provide financial security and socio-economic empowerment to the indigenous weavers of the state by eliminating the role of middlemen and unscrupulous traders. Under the scheme, the state government through the ARTFED (Assam State Handloom Weavers ‘Co-operative Federation Ltd) and AGMC (Assam Government Marketing Corporation) procures handloom items directly from the weavers. The government identified 31 handwoven items including Gamosa , Arnai , and Dokhyona for direct procurement at pre-determined prices based on quality benchmarks. By creating an assured market , the scheme encourages the preservation of traditional weaving skills which are central to Assamese culture and heritage. Additional Information Handloom Sector in Assam: Assam boasts the highest concentration of weavers in India, with millions of households engaged in the handloom industry . The Muga Silk of Assam, known for its natural golden luster, is a Geographical Indication (GI) tagged product and is integral to the state‘s textile economy. The Department of Handloom and Textiles serves as the nodal agency for implementing various welfare measures for the weaver community. Assam‘s Empowerment Initiatives: The Orunodoi Scheme is another major welfare program in the state providing monthly financial assistance to women from economically weaker sections. Strengthening Self-Help Groups (SHGs) is a core component of the Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ASRLM) to foster entrepreneurship.