(a) whether the Union Government has taken any steps to promote the handloom industry in Gujarat;
(b) the district-wise details of Central assistance given for helping the weavers community during the last three years and the current year in Gujarat;
(c) the extent to which such assistance has been utilized by the Gujarat Government;
(d) whether any misuse of funds have been noticed; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Union Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES
(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)
(a): The Government of India, Ministry of Textiles through the office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms has been implementing the following schemes for the development handlooms and welfare of weavers in the country, including the State of Gujarat:
I) National Handloom Development Programme
i) Comprehensive Handloom Development Scheme (formulated by merging the components of Integrated Handloom Development Scheme, Marketing & Export Promotion Scheme and Diversified Handloom Development Scheme implemented during XI Plan)
ii) Revival, Reform & Re-structuring Package
II) Handloom Weavers Comprehensive Welfare Scheme
III) Yarn Supply Scheme.
(b): District-wise details of funds released are not maintained by the office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms. During the last three years and the current year (till date), an amount of Rs. 13.86 crore has been released under the Comprehensive Handloom Development Scheme and the Revival, Reform & Restructuring Package to the State of Gujarat. Under the Handloom Weavers Comprehensive Welfare Scheme and Yarn Supply Scheme, funds are released to the Implementing Agencies i.e. Life Insurance Corporation of India, National Handloom Development Corporation etc. and not to the States.
(c): Out of Rs. 13.86 crore released to the State of Gujarat, an amount of Rs. 13.33 crore has been utilized.
(d): No, Madam.
(e): Does not arise.