The Government of
India has introduced Integrated Handloom Development
scheme, Marketing and Export promotion Scheme, Handloom
Weavers’ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme, Mill Gate
Price Scheme and Diversified Handloom Development Scheme
to be implemented during the XI Five Year Plan. This
information was information was given by the Minister
of State for Textiles, Shri E.V.K.S. Elangovan, in the
Rajya Sabha today, in a written reply to a question
by Shri Datta Meghe He further stated that these schemes
will enable the handloom weavers to enhance production,
productivity and efficiency of the handloom sector and
enhance their income and socio-economic status by upgrading
their skills and providing infrastructural input and
marketing support. DHD scheme include the components,
with a view to create awareness among the weavers about
modern colours, fashions etc., to promote handloom industries.
Regarding growth in the handloom sector,
the Minister informed that this sector is highly decentralized
in nature and therefore the production in handloom is
estimated on the basis of domestic delivery of hank
yarn in Kgs. During the last three years handloom production
has maintained a positive growth. Since 2004-05, a consistent
increase in production of handloom fabrics has been
witnessed with the production rising from 5722 mn sq.
mtre in 2004-05, 6263mn sq.mtre, in 2005-2006, 6536
mn.sq.mtr in 2006-07. During the current year, 2007-08
(upto January) also, the production of fabrics has reached
to 5797 mn.sq.mtre (Prov) and it is anticipated to reach
upto 7865 mn sq. mtre upto March, 2008.
Source:
Press Information Bureau Date: March 12, 2008
