(a) whether the Government has announced Loan Waiver Scheme on the lines of farmers for the benefit of handloom weaver/cooperative societies;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the amount of loan extended to handloom weavers extended through Co-operative Banks during last three years, year-wise and State-wise; and
(c) the other steps taken by the Government to reduce the hardship of handloom weavers?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES (SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) & (b): No Madam. However, the draft Revival, Reform and Restructuring package for
the Handloom Sector, has been sent to Ministry of Finance for their approval. The proposal
inter-alia include (i) Cleansing of the balance sheet of Apex and Primary Weavers Cooperative
Societies with adequate fund support from Government; (ii) Waiver of overdue interest and
overdue loans of Weavers/ PWCSs/Apex Societies; and (iii) Financing the credit needs of
handloom weavers/societies at 7% rate of interest with interest subvention to NABARD and
banks from Government of India.’
(c): During the 11th Five Year Plan, Five schemes are under implementation for the
development of Handloom Sector and welfare of Weavers, which are as follows:
(i) Integrated Handlooms Development Scheme (IHDS)
(ii) Marketing & Export Promotion Scheme (MEPS)
(iii) Handloom Weavers Comprehensive Welfare Scheme
(iv) Mill Gate Price Scheme (MGPS)
(v) Diversified Handloom Development Scheme (DHDS).