(a) Whether the Government has any scheme to support/boost traditional cloth handicrafters and if so, the details thereof;
(b) The details of states where these handicrafts are present;
(c) Whether their financial condition is not promising due to inflow of synthetic garments and imports;
(d) If so, the details thereof; and
(e) The steps taken by the Government to improve their condition?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES
(SHRI AJAY TAMTA)
(a): The Government implements various schemes to boost different crafts being practiced by the artisans including traditional cloth handicrafts throughout the country under “National Handicraft Development Programme [NHDP]” to emphasize integrated approach for development of handicraft cluster in a holistic manner. The NHDP has following components:
1. Base Line Survey and Mobilization of artisans.
2. Design & Technology Upgradation (DTU)
3. Human Resource Development (HRD)
4. Direct Benefit to Artisans (DBT)
5. Infrastructure and Technology Support (ITS)
6. Research and Development (R&D)
7. Marketing Support & Services (MSS)
Besides, Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) has following components:
1. Mega Cluster (MC)
2. Special projects under Integrated Development and Promotion of Handicraft (IDPH).
(b): Traditional cloth handicrafts is being practiced in the following States:-
Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya and Sikkim.
(c)to(e): The production and exports of traditional cloth handicrafts has increased, which implies that financial condition of the artisans employed in traditional cloth handicrafts has improved. The details are as per Annexure-I.