Question : Handloom Clusters

(a) the details of the existing handloom clusters developed by the Government in various parts of the country along with the details and number of incentives/benefits extended to people employed therein;

(b) whether the Government proposes to establish more handloom clusters across the country including Maharashtra and Telangana;

(c) if so, the details thereof including the names of the locations, State/UT-wise and if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) the funds allocated for the purpose and the number of persons enrolled and benefited by these clusters during each of the last three years and current year, State-wise including Maharashtra and Telangana; and

(e) whether the Government has achieved the desired success in the clusters development programme and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES
(SHRI AJAY TAMTA)

(a) During 2015-16 to 2017-18 (till December, 2017), Government of India, Ministry of Textiles has taken up 358 clusters in various Blocks across the country under National Handloom Development Programme(NHDP) and Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme(CHCDS) for their integrated & holistic development. In the cluster, financial assistance is provided on need basis upto Rs. 2.00 crore per cluster for implementation of various interventions. Mainly, four incentives i.e. construction of workshed, purchase of loom/accessories, purchase of Lighting unit and skill up-gradation, benefitting individual weavers have been provided which varies from cluster to cluster.

(b) & (c): Yes, Madam. Cluster projects including their location are recommended by the State Government concerned.

(d): Block level cluster was introduced in 2015-16 and funds are met out from overall budget allocated under NHDP & CHCDS. State-wise & year-wise number of clusters sanctioned & weavers covered under NHDP & CHCDS are at Annexure – I.

(e): Duration of cluster development project is 03 year from the date of sanction. These projects are at different stages of implementation. Mid-term evaluation of 115 clusters conducted by an Independent Agency revealed positive outcome.