Delhi govt proposes hike in financial aid for handloom students at IIHT Jodhpur

The Delhi government has proposed a significant increase in financial assistance for students undergoing handloom training at the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT) in Jodhpur.

Officials from the Industries Department announced a recommendation to raise support five-fold, aimed at helping students better manage training expenses.

The proposed changes include increasing the monthly state stipend from ₹400 to ₹2,000 for students in their first, second, and third years of training.

Additionally, the educational book and tour allowance for students in their second and third years is set to rise from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 per year.

Industries Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa described the move as “a strategic investment in our youth and the timeless legacy of Indian handlooms.”

He added, “It is not merely a revision of numbers, but a conscious step to strengthen the foundation on which our future artisans stand. Even modest support, when thoughtfully directed, can empower students to complete their training with dignity and contribute meaningfully to the revival and modernization of traditional crafts.”

The enhanced financial assistance is expected to be implemented from the 2025-26 academic session.

This revision comes after more than a decade, as the existing rates have remained unchanged since 2009-10, despite rising costs for study materials, technical books, and educational tours.

For the upcoming financial year, the government has allocated ₹10 lakh to cover the increased expenditure under this scheme.