Question : DEVELOPMENT OF EXISTING TEXTILE CLUSTERS

(a) the details of the existing textileclusters including handlooms developed bythe Government in various parts of thecountry including the incentives/ benefitsextended to people employed therein;

(b) whether the Government proposesto establish more such clusters across thecountry;

(c) if so, the details thereof along withthe funds allocated for the purpose and thenumber of persons enrolled and benefitedby these clusters during each of the lastthree years and the current year, State-wiseincluding Andhra Pradesh;

(d) whether the Government hasachieved the desired success in the clustersdevelopment programme; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not,the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a) to (c): Government has sanctioned 6 Mega Clusters under Comprehensive Powerloom Cluster Development Scheme namely, Powerloom Mega Cluster, Erode (Tamilnadu), Powerloom Mega Cluster, Bhiwandi (Maharashtra), Powerloom Mega Cluster, Bhilwara (Rajasthan), Powerloom Mega Cluster, Ichalkaranji (Maharashtra), Powerloom Mega Cluster, Surat (Gujarat) and Silk Mega Cluster, Mysore (Karnataka) and released Rs.35.745 crore, upto 31.12.2014. Further under the Cluster Development Programme, a sum of Rs.140.25 crore has been released for setting up of 108 handloom clusters, benefiting 40,677 weavers under Cluster Development Programme. The details of handlooms clusters and funds released and weavers benefitted is enclosed at Annexure-I. Sanction of additional clusters depends on the viability of the proposals received from State Government.

(d) & (e): Yes, Madam. Evaluation of clusters including the handloom clusters has revealed positive impact on the earnings of textile workers, weavers, number of working days, sales, etc.