Government is committed to develop and promote Handloom Sector: Textiles Minister
The first meeting of the All India Handloom Board was held in New Delhi today. Union Textiles Minister, Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar gave an overview of the various initiatives being taken by the Government under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the development of the sector.
Shri Gangwar said that the new strategy for revival of the handloom industry has the core objective of increasing the earnings of handloom weavers through skill upgradation, loom upgradation, availability of good quality raw material at cheaper rates, availability of adequate credit facilities, product design and development and branding for effective marketing.
Shri Gangwar recalled Government’s declaration of 7th August as National Handloom Day, as a mark of recognition and respect for the contribution of millions of handloom weavers across the country to our economy as well as to the rich culture and tradition.
He said that the most important initiative in this regard has been the launch of ‘India Handloom’ Brand, aimed at regaining consumer confidence, through quality endorsement in terms of authenticity, azo-free dyes, and fast colours. He informed that ‘India Handloom’ Brand registration has so far been granted to 170 handloom producing agencies and weavers in 41 product categories.
Shri Gangwar recalled that the amount sanctioned for mega clusters in year 2015-16 was highest ever, at Rs. 37.11 crore; further, a record number of 175 block level clusters have been sanctioned in 21 states. The Minister said that a block level cluster can avail financial assistance up to Rs. 2.00 crore. He also highlighted the increased assistance given during FY 2015-’16, in terms of skill upgradation, technology upgradation and CFCs. The Textiles Minister said that the budget utilization for handloom sector in the year 2015-16 was Rs. 591 crore, which is 25% higher than the previous year.
The Minister said that the Health Ministry has issued instructions to all state governments to ensure coverage of handloom weavers under RSBY with immediate effect. The available assistance will now be Rs. 30,000/-, as against Rs. 15,000/- earlier. He added that the Government is in the process of providing coverage to handloom weavers in Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojna; it will provide an insurance cover of Rs. 2.00 lakh in case of death due to any reason, as against the present life cover of Rs. 60,000/- in natural death and Rs. 1.50 lakh in case of accidental death.