(a) whether the Government proposes to set up handloom clusters in the country to strengthen the economy of the handloom weavers;
(b) if so, the details of proposal of the Government to set up State-wise handloom clusters along with the action taken thereto; and
(c) the details of proposal and feasibility report to set up such cluster in Kalna/Katwa/Nabadwip, Murshidabad and Bishnupur of West Bengal and if not, the reasons thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES
(SMT. DARSHANA JARDOSH)
(a) to (c): Ministry of Textiles is implementing Cluster Development Programmme for integrated development of handloom sector. Need based financial assistance is provided based on the proposals received from State/UTs Governments.
Under the scheme, financial assistance has been provided for development of 520 handloom clusters since 2015-16 for implementation various interventions like product development/diversification, upgraded looms/accessories, solar lighting units, construction of worksheds, design development, skill upgradation and marketing of handloom products etc.
Financial assistance has been provided to 26 handloom clusters in Cooch Behar, Howrah, Nadia, Purba Medinipur and Murshidabad districts of West Bengal. Proposals for providing financial assistance to clusters in Kalna/Katwa/Nabadwip, Murshidabad and Bishnupurha have not been received from the Government of West Bengal. State/UT-wise detail of number of handloom clusters provided financial assistance is annexed.