As per the report, the central government’s “much publicised” Pradhan Mantri Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) (launched on May 1, 2016) simply did not reach persons on the ground.

“Only 10 percent of the women among our respondents were even registered to get Ujjwala Gas under this scheme; the rest remain excluded, despite multiple attempts to apply for the same,” it read.

The report further said that the respondents found the Prime Minister Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) difficult to access.

Neither the state government of Uttar Pradesh nor the Centre have shown any sensitivity to the plight of hundreds of thousands of weavers and their families so far, and have failed to respond to the crisis.

As per the report, Muslim women faced economic boycotts at work after the virus began spreading, deliberately misconstrued and associated with one community (with terms like Coronona-Jihad, Superspreaders of the Virus., being used)

The report further made detailed recommendations for the government, central and state, urging that all stakeholders in the industry are consulted before policies are framed and budgetary allocations ( which have been dwindling over the past seven-eight years) are made.

It further said that authorities should ensure that benefits of all schemes and campaigns should reach every last weaver and artisan.

The original piece may be read here