An Analytical Study on the financial Constraints of Primary Weaver’s, Co-operative Societies (PWCSs) in state of Odisha

The handloom industry, being the second-largest provider of rural employment behind agriculture, has significant socio-economic importance in India. Notwithstanding its cultural richness and heritage, the sector encounters several operational, financial, and administrative obstacles that impede the viability of Weavers’ Cooperative Societies (WCSs), especially in Odisha. This research seeks to examine and analyze these restrictions using a mixed-method approach that incorporates primary data from 182 weavers, proportionately recruited from coastal and non-coastal regions of Odisha. The research reveals considerable regional discrepancies using frequency distribution, descriptive statistics, and independent sample t-tests. Research indicates that weavers in non-coastal regions have more severe difficulties pertaining to inadequate sales performance, restricted access to financing, diminished profitability, obsolete manufacturing infrastructure, and insufficient management acumen. The findings reveal statistically substantial disparities (p<0.001) in perceptions across all five constraint dimensions, hence refuting the null hypothesis that geographical variations do not influence operating circumstances. The research indicates that a fragmented structure of institutions, inadequate understanding of governmental programs, and inconsistent access to financial services intensify these issues. Based on the results, essential recommendations are presented for both the government and cooperative societies, including the augmentation of financial literacy, decentralized training initiatives, encouragement of young engagement, modernization of equipment, and enhanced market connections. The research indicates that a region-specific policy framework, along with enhanced institutional cooperation, is essential for fostering equitable development and resilience of WCSs.