(a) the total number of small scale industries at present in the State of Bihar, region-wise;
(b) whether Government have taken new initiatives to encourage SSI units set up in the backward and tribal regions of Bihar;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government are aware that cottage industries in SC/ST and tribal areas dominated are facing many problems;
(e) if so, the steps being taken or proposed to be taken to augment the promotion of cottage industries in near future?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIES, AGRO AND RURAL INDUSTRIES, MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING, DEPARTMENT OF PENSIONS AND PENSIONERS WELFARE OF THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENTS OF ATOMIC ENERGY AND SPACE (SHRIMATI VASUNDHARA RAJE)
(a): As reported by the Government of Bihar, the number of registered small scale industries in the State is 92,815 as on 31st December, 2000. Of this, 51,648 units are in Central Bihar Region and the remaining 41,167 units are in North Bihar Region.
(b) to (d): Yes, Sir. While development of Small Scale Industries and Cottage Industries in the States is primarily the responsibility of the concerned State Governments, the Central Government has been helping the states including Bihar in their endeavour of developing these industries by implementing various schemes such as Prime Minister`s Rozgar Yojana, Integrated Infrastructure Development, Consultancy facilities and Service facilities for technological upgradation, entrepreneurship development etc. The Government of Bihar have also been taking special initiatives to encourage SSI/Tiny/Artisan units in backward and tribal regions of the State in fruit processing, processing of aromatic & herbal plants, other agro based industries etc. In addition, the Government of Bihar have also identified cluster units in backward and tribal regions with a view to rehabilitate them.
(e): As the cottage industries have grown on cluster basis in the backward and tribal regions, the Government of Bihar have taken steps for extending technological support and marketing support to these clusters.