Question : IDENTITY CARDS TO WEAVERS

(a) whether the Government has any plan to conduct new census for weavers and if so, the details thereof;

(b) the number of male and female weavers in the country and number of identity cards issued to them, State-wise;

(c) whether any incident has been noticed by the Government where fake/bogus weavers are taking advantage of schemes and identity cards issued to them;

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the action taken by the Government against the erring officials and fake weavers during the last three years, State-wise;

(e) the State-wise number of cooperative societies/organisations functioning in the country and incentives/concessions provided to them;

(f) whether any representations received from these cooperative societies/organisations by the Government for providing more incentives/concessions to the handloom weavers and if so, the details thereof during the last three years along with the reaction of the Government thereto; and

(g) the action taken by the Government for optimum utilisation of funds by handloom industry?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES (SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)

(a): Conducting census for assessment of number of handloom weavers is generally done after a gap of about 15 years. Such an exercise has been done in the year 2009-10. The number of handloom weavers in the country as per Handloom Census of India (2009-10) is 43.31 lakh, of which adult weavers are 38.46 Lakh.

(b): The number of adult male and female weavers in the country is 38.46 lakh and 31.12 lakh identity cards prepared and distributed to concerned States except Assam. The State-wise details is given in Annexure-1.

(c) & (d):No complaint has been received so far about distribution of fake identity cards under the Third Handloom Census.

(e): The State-wise number of cooperative societies/organisations functioning in the country and incentives/concessions under the financial package for loan waivers is given in Annexure-II.

Under the MEP Scheme, assistance is provided to State Governments/State Handloom organisations/Agencies towards organisation of marketing events, setting up of Urban haats etc.The Handloom Export component of the Marketing & Export Promotion Scheme provides assistance for implementation of export projects and participation in international fairs and exhibitions. The statement showing the number of societies / organisations to which financial assistance is given for the last 3 years is given in Annexure III.

(f): From time to time, representations have been received from cooperative institutions and other organizations of handloom weavers which are suitably replied and suitable action taken, accordingly.

(g): In order to ensure proper utilization of funds by the States, a monitoring system has been put in place. A review of the progress of physical and financial targets in respect of the schemes is being done during the meetings of the Senior Officers of the Ministry by the Secretary (Textiles). Quarterly Review Meetings are also being held with Commissioners/Directors (in charge of Handlooms and Textiles) of all State Governments. Senior officers of the Office of Development Commissioner (Handlooms) review the progress of the schemes during their visits to the States. Evaluation of the schemes has also been done by independent third party agencies. The State Governments are required to furnish proper utilization certificates when due, for funds already released in a scheme, before the release of next installment under that scheme.