Question : Powerloom Units

(a) whether the Government has taken note of the fact that powerloom units in the country especially in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra are facing one of their worst economic crisis;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor along with the corrective steps taken in this regard;

(c) whether 60 per cent of powerloom units in Bhiwandi have been shut down and others are facing likely closure, if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the necessary steps taken by the Government to save the powerloom units in the country particularly in Bhiwandi?

MINISTER OF TEXTILES
(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a): No Sir, there is no such type of report received in the Ministry of Textiles.

(b): Does not arise.

(c): There is no report received in the Ministry that 60% of Powerlooms have been shut down and others are facing closure in Bhiwandi area. However, around 15% of Powerlooms may not be working in Bhiwandi due to various reasons like shortage of manpower, Low market demand of fabrics, sluggish market, etc.

(d): Government of India, Ministry of Textiles is implementing PowerTex India Scheme, a comprehensive Scheme for the development of Powerloom sector w.e.f. 01.04.2017 to 31.03.2020 on Pan India basis including the State of Maharashtra, to promote the decentralized Powerloom sector. The brief details of the Scheme is enclosed as Annexure-I.