Question : KHADI WEAVERS



(a): whether spinners and weavers in rural areas, engaged in Khadi manufacturing have lost their jobs;

(b): if so, the reasons therefor; and

(c): the steps being taken by the Government to provide assistance to them?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF MICRO,SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES(SHRI MAHABIR PRASAD)

(a): There was no loss of job in respect of spinners and weavers working in the khadi sector as is evident from the number of spinners and weavers working in the khadi sector during 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07, given below:

Year	Number of Spinners	Number of Weavers	(lakh persons)	(lakh persons)
2003-04 1.01 6.84 2004-05 1.01 6.87 2005-06 1.01 6.90 2006-07 1.03 7.01
The overall employment of spinners and weavers under khadi has registered marginal increase during the last three years.

(b) & (c) Do not arise.