Union minister Smriti Irani on Sunday urged labourers working in the carpet industry to help fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream of achieving an educated India by ensuring that their children receive higher education. Addressing the India Carpet Expo organised by Carpet Export Promotion Council in Varanasi, she said the labourers who work in the carpet industry must educate their children.

Citing a 2009 data, she said only 1 per cent of children of weavers and craftsmen were able to receive higher education. The Union government has made arrangements to provide 75 per cent fee for the education of children of poor artisans, who can avail the benefits by enrolling themselves in NIOS and IGNOU, she said, adding that the government wants to celebrate the strength and vibrancy of this industry.