(a) whether the Government has implemented the UNDP assisted National Leather Development
Programme in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof ;
(c) the number of small scale entrepreneurs in the leather sector benefited under the said
programme; and
(d) the details of funds allocated for strengthening the technology, skill upgradation and
marketing support during the last three years, State-wise?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY(SHRI ASHWANI KUMAR)
(a) to (c): The Central Government had implemented a programme under the UNDP assisted
Programme, “Small Industries Development & Employment Programme in Leather Sector†(SIDE-NLDP)
from the year 1992 to 2003. The objective of the programme was to increase the competitiveness
of the footwear and leather product sector. An amount of US$ 25.50 million was allocated under
SIDE-NLDP as financial assistance and a number of small scale entrepreneurs benefited from the
programme.
(d): The UNDP assisted Programme “Small Industries Development & Employment Programme in
Leather Sector†(SIDE-NLDP) was implemented till June, 2003 and hence no funds were released
under the programme during the years 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08. However, the Central Government
implemented a plan scheme, titled, Indian Leather Development Programme (ILDP) during the 10th
Five Year Plan and first year of the 11th Five Year Plan period for modernization and technology
up-gradation of leather units, infrastructure and capacity building. The ILDP Scheme comprises
of two components, Integrated Development of Leather Sector (IDLS) and Infrastructure Strengthening
of Leather Sector. A Statement giving State-wise expenditure of the Central Government for
strengthening the technology, skill up-gradation and marketing support for the Leather Sector
during the last three years is Annexed.