(a) whether the Government proposes to formulate or have formulated any action plan to strengthen
the working conditions of the weaver community of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether directions from the Union Government have been issued to the various State Governments
including Uttar Pradesh to provide subsidy on electricity bill of weaver population;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES (SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) & (b): The Government of India has already formulated and implementing five schemes during the XI Five
Year Plan namely Integrated Handlooms Development Scheme, Marketing and Export Promotion Scheme, Handloom
Weavers’ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme, Mill Gate Price Scheme, Diversified Handloom Development Scheme for
the overall development of the Handloom Sector and welfare of handloom weavers. The Government of India has
also formulated and implementing the following schemes for the development of Powerloom sector and welfare
of its weavers:
1. 20% Margin Money Subsidy Scheme for powerloom sector
2. Modified Group Workshed Scheme
3. Group Insurance Scheme
4. Integrated scheme for Powerloom Cluster Development with the components of:
(1) Marketing Development programme for Powerloom Sector (2) Exposure visit of Powerloom Sector
(3) Survey of the Powerloom Sector (4) Powerloom Cluster Development (5) Development and Upgradation
of skills (HRD)
5. Computer Aided Design Centres (CAO)
(c) to (e): Supply of power/electricity to the public including handloom weavers comes under the purview of
the respective State Government including Uttar Pradesh. Hence, there is no question of issuing directions
by the Ministry of Textiles to provide subsidy on electricity bill of handloom weavers. However, directions
were issued to the State Governments to make available uninterrupted electricity supply to the weavers of
the powerloom sector at reasonable tariff.