(a) whether Beedi Industry is a big revenue earner of the country;
(b) if so, the quantum of foreign exchange earned by this Industry during the last three years;
(c) the steps contemplates to transform this industry into organized sector; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) & (b) : The Central Excise Revenue realized from the Beedi industry and
quantum of foreign exchange earned during the last 3 years is given below:
Year Central Excise Foreign Exchange Revenue realized earned(Million US$) (Rs. In thousands)
2003-04 3363912 7.35 2004-05 3481499 8.48 2005-06 3706888 7.51