The Uttar Pradesh government is working on a new procurement arrangement to source hospital linen and gauze bandage cloth from the state’s handloom weavers, aiming to create a stable institutional market for locally produced textiles.
The proposal was discussed at a review meeting chaired by Khadi and Village Industries Minister Rakesh Sachan. Under the planned system, bed sheets, pillow covers and gauze bandage cloth required by government hospitals, medical colleges and other healthcare institutions will be supplied through the Uttar Pradesh State Handloom Corporation Limited.
Production will be carried out through local weavers and weavers’ cooperative societies. The government has directed officials to ensure that the products meet the required quality and prescribed standards before being supplied to medical institutions.
Officials have also been asked to finalize the procurement and supply mechanism at the earliest. According to the government, the initiative is intended to link public procurement with a regular market and employment opportunities for weaver families across the state.