Question : HANDLOOM CLUSTER

(a) whether the Government has taken up 52 new clusters under Integrated Handlooms Clusters Development Scheme (IHCD) in 2009-10 benefitting 11 lakh weavers;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the corrective measures that have been taken by the Government for the loopholes identified in this regard;

(c) the State-wise number of new clusters to be taken up by the Government in 2010-2011 and the number of weavers which are expected to be benefitted by Integrated Handloom Cluster Development Scheme (IHCD);

(d) whether the Government has taken up mega clusters at Varanasi (UP), Shivsagar (Assam), Virudhunagar (Tamil Nadu), Murshidabad (West Bengal) Ahmedabad and Surat (Gujarat) to develop world class infrastructural and production facilities at handloom clusters with a minimum of 5,000 looms through the adoption of a comprehensive handloom cluster development approach and Rs. 70 crore has been earmarked for development of each cluster; and

(e) if so, the time by which these clusters are likely to be set up as well as the details of new proposals for setting up handloom clusters submitted, State-wise?

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

(a) & (b): The Government of India, during the year 2009-10 has taken up 52 new handloom clusters under the Integrated Handlooms Development Scheme (IHDS), benefitting 16110 weavers. Each Cluster, covering 300-500 handlooms will be developed at an upper cost of Rs.60.00 lakh in a time period of 3 years.

(c): Under IHDS, it is proposed to take up 120 new clusters during the year 2010-11. These clusters are expected to benefit about 48000 weavers. A statement showing State-wise indicative number of clusters to be taken up during 2010-2011 is annexed.

(d) & (e): As announced in the Budget for 2008-09 and 2009-10, the Government of India has taken up four mega handloom clusters at Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Sivasagar (Assam), Virudhunagar (Tamil Nadu) and Murshidabad (West Bengal) under the Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS). Each mega cluster will be developed in a time period of 5 years, covering atleast 25000 handlooms in each cluster with a financial contribution upto Rs. 70 crore per cluster by the office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.