Question : PROBLEMS OF WEAVERS

(a) whether any meeting has been held between officials of the Assam handloom and Textile Department and the National handloom Development Corporation recently to look into the grievances of weavers of Assam and to investigate the allegations raised by the weavers in terms of supply of silk yarn to various depot operating agencies;

(b) if so, the outcome thereof and the steps taken by the Government to solve the problems being faced by the weavers of Assam in this regard;

(c) whether the Government proposes to bring legislation to ensure that trade in local products from outside Assam is barred; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES (SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)

(a) Yes, Madam. A meeting has been held recently between officials of Assam Handlooms and Textile Department and National Handloom Development Corporation to look into the grievances of weavers and investigate into the allegations raised by the weavers in terms of supply of silk yarn to various depot operating agencies;

(b) The Government has constituted a State level Committee to look into the grievances of the weavers.

(c) & (d) There is no proposal to restrict/bar trade in handloom products from outside Assam. However, to protect local products, the Government of India (GOI) has promulgated Geographical Indications of Goods (GIG) (Registration & Protection) Act 1999. The Act provides legal protection to the geographical indications of goods etc. and prevents unauthorized use of these by others.