Question : HANDLOOM WEAVERS

(a) whether the Government has banned/proposes to ban the use of Iron Jakaat in big textile mills keeping in view of the welfare of poor handloom weavers who use wooden Jakaat on paddle loom to weave sarees;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

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

(a) to (c): No, Madam, does not arise. The use of jacquard and benchmarked technology features are permitted in the list of machinery under the Restructured Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme.