March 15, 2002

`19`

LOK SABHA

ADOPTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY IN HANDLOOM INDUSTRIES

    The objectives of the various schemes implemented for the development of the handloom sector, include, among others, modernization/modification/improvisation in the existing looms, with a view to increasing the production as well as the quality of handloom cloth.

    The effort has been towards increasing the production and the quality of handloom products by bringing about modernization/ modification/ improvisation/ replacement of the existing looms and accessories, the weaving techniques and practices, product diversification, design development and skill upgradation.

    Out of the various Central Sectors and Centrally Sponsored Schemes currently under implementation for the development of the handloom industry and welfare of handloom weavers, the following schemes have components aimed at modernization/technology upgradation:

    1. Under the Deen Dayal Hathkargha Protsahan Yojana introduced with effect from 01.04.2000, assistance is provided for acquisition of looms and accessories, Design input and infrastructure support;
    2. Under the Development of Exportable Products and their Marketing Scheme, assistance is provided to National and State level Handloom Development Corporation Societies to build up production capabilities of the handloom industry for export;
    3. Under the Research and Development Scheme, assistance is provided to National Handloom Development Corporation, institutions engaged in Research & Development work including professional and voluntary organisations for undertaking Research & Development projects for the development of the handloom sector; and
    4. The National Centre for Textile Design launched in March, 2001 promotes traditional and contemporary designs so as to enable the Handloom Sector to be responsive to the rapidly changing market demand.

    The cost of production of handloom products depends on the cost of various inputs like yarn, dyes, chemicals, wages, intricacy of the design and the weave.

    This was stated by the Minister of State for Textiles, Shri V. Dhananjaya Kumar in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.