PM asks Varanasi weavers to utilise growing e-commerce market

Pitching for modernisation of the textile sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asked the weavers to utilise the growing e-commerce market to reach out to global consumers even as he announced a package of Rs 2,375 crore (Rs 23.75 billion) to revive banks in eastern UP.

"E-business is increasing.

“There are opportunities in the global market," Modi, who is on his first visit to his Lok

Sabha constituency after assuming power, said after laying the foundation stone of a trade facilitation centre for weavers in Varanasi.

The ancient temple town is famous for silk products crafted by its master weavers.

Stressing that there was a huge market for weavers both in domestic and abroad, the Prime Minister said the textile sector provides employment to the poorest of the poor.

Modi also announced a package of Rs. 2,375 crore to revive 16 banks in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

"We have decided to offer a package of Rs. 2375 crore.

“The amount would be used to revive banks in 16 districts," he said.

He also stressed that politics should be kept outside the purview of the package.

Image: A Varanasi weaver. Photograph: Sandeep Pal