Immediately after the demonetisation initiative, a quick survey of Powerloom units was undertaken in major Powerloom clusters to assess the impact on the decentralised Powerloom Sector. To address the issues of shortage of new currency, Government has initiated immediate action to enable cashless transactions for payment of wages in the textile sector. A mission-mode campaign has been launched to promote digital payments and opening of bank accounts for workers by organising a large number of camps in various textile clusters. Senior Officers were deputed to clusters to oversee the holding of camps in association with the banking sector. Industry Associations and Councils have also been advised to promote digital payments for enabling cashless transactions.

The above information was given by the Union Textiles Minister, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani today, in a written reply to a Rajya Sabha Question.