Question : Handloom Cluster

(a) whether the Minister is considering the inclusion of Balaramapuram in Thiruvananthapuram under the Comprehensive Handloom Development Cluster Scheme, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(b) whether the Central Government has been providing assistance to weavers in Thiruvananthapuram, especially in Balaramapuram, if so, the details of the support provided by the Central Government to weavers in Thiruvananthapuram, including the money disbursed under central schemes, year-wise since 2014;

(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and

(d) whether there is any proposal to set up any handloom clusters in Gujarat, if so, the details thereof, area-wise along with amount of funds allocated in this regard and if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF TEXTILES
(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a) to (c): Mega Handloom Cluster is taken up under Comprehensive Handloom Development Scheme as announced by the Hon’ble Union Finance Minister in the respective budget with the financial provision. At present, there is no proposal for inclusion of Balaramapuram in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala under Comprehensive Handloom Development Scheme.

Details of assistance provided to the weavers in Thiruvananthapuram under the various schemes implemented by Government of India since 2014-15 are as under:

1. 22 Mudra loans with amount of Rs 9.00 lakh sanctioned and disbursed to the Handloom weavers.
2. Under National Handloom Development Programme, one Block Level Cluster with total cost of Rs 185.169 lakh consisting Government of India share of Rs 179.599 lakh sanctioned in Kollaylin covering 500 weavers.
3. 6.736 lakh kg of yarn worth Rs 21.52 crore has been supplied to the handloom weavers of Balaramapuram at Mill gate price.
4. Balaramapuram Saree has been registered under Geographical Indication Act.
5. Balaramapuram Saree and Balaramapur Dhoti have been registered under product list of India Handloom Brand (IHB). 28 agencies for Balaramapuram Sarees and 30 agencies for Balaramapuram Dhoti have been registered for production under IHB.

(d): Three Block Level Clusters have been sanctioned in Gujarat State under National Handloom Development Programme, with following details:

(Rs. in lakh)
Sl. No Name of the Block/District Total Project cost Government of India share Beneficiaries covered
1 Bhachau, Kutch 133.640 131.740 65
2 Wadhwan, Surendranagar 170.550 165.685 206
3 Lakhtar, Surendranagar 143.410 140.961 86
Total 447.600 438.386 357

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