(a) the assistance extended to the craftsmen and weavers of various States including Telangana
region of Andhra Pradesh for self employment during the last three years and the current year;and
(b) the number of craftsmen and weavers benefited during the said period,State-wise and
scheme-wise?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES(SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) & (b): The government does not have any scheme both in the Handicrafts and Handloom
Sectors, for direct financial assistance to artisans & weavers for the self employment in the
country including Telangana Region of Andhra Pradesh.
However,for the development of both these sectors, the Government has been implementing various
schemes,which provide assistance to the artisans as well as to handloom weavers.In the handicraft
sector,the schemes proposed for implementation during the 11th Five Year Plan include:Ambedkar
Hastshilp Vikas Yojana:Marketing Support and Services scheme: Design & Technology Upgradation
Scheme; Handicrafts Artisans Welfare Scheme; Human Resource Development Scheme and Research &
Development Scheme. In the Handloom Sector, concerted efforts are being made through the scheme
and programmes to increase production, productivity, and the efficiency of weavers and enhance
their income and socio-economic status by providing skill upgradation, infrastructure and input
supports to them.