Question : WTO ERA

(a) whether the Government have conducted sensitization programmes for SSI sector to meet the challenge to WTO era;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the programme curricula included on sensitizat6ion them to overcome the threats in the production process methods;

(d) if so, whether the Government propose to follow up by this extending the National Accredition and Testing Board`s facilities in the network of Regional Testing Centres;

(e) whether the Government propose to extend training programme to Rural Industry, Rural Artisans and Cottage Industry which have high export orientation; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIES AND AGRO AND RURAL INDUSTRIES (SMT. VASUNDHARA RAJE)

(a): Yes, Sir.

(b) & (c): The Ministry of Small Scale Industries and Agro & Rural Industries organized 28 WTO Sensitization Programmes all over the country. The basic objective of these programmes was to enlighten the SSI sector on the various Agreements under the WTO and their implications. Sensitization Programmes included a session on `An Outline on the WTO Agreements.`

(d): Regional Testing Centres (RTCs), New Delhi and Calcutta have already got accreditation with the National Accreditation Board of Laboratories (NABL). RTCs are being constantly modernized with the addition of relevant testing equipment so as to enable them to undertake testing work as per the needs of the industry.

(e) & (f): The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), under the Ministry of Small Scale Industries and Agro & Rural Industries conducts various training programmes for skill development including entrepreneurship development, artisan courses, orientation and refresher courses for in-job artisans and entrepreneurs and courses for prospective entrepreneurs.