Question : Preservation of Ancient Textile Industry

(a) the details of measures taken for preservation and conservation of Ancient Textile Industry;

(b)the details of the special project, if any, for the conservation and promotion of Ancient Textile Industry;

(c) the details of the measures taken by the Government to promote the ancient art of cloth making practiced at different places in Madhya Pradesh especially Maheshwari Saree in the Parliamentary Constituency of Khargone Barwani; and

(d) whether any special plan is being operated for the rehabilitation of craftmen engaged in the Ancient Textile Industry and if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES
(SMT. DARSHANA JARDOSH)

(a) to (d): Handloom fabric is being woven in the country since very old times, and is a source of livelihood for a sizeable population in several parts of the country. Ministry of Textiles is committed to preserve, promote and propagate Handloom Sector, and accordingly implements the following schemes to support the sector across the country, including the state of Madhya Pradesh:
1. National Handloom Development Programme;
2. Raw Material Supply Scheme;

Under the above schemes, financial assistance is provided for raw materials, purchase of looms and accessories, design innovation, product diversification, infrastructure development, marketing of handloom products in domestic and overseas markets, loans at concessional rates, etc.

Traditional handloom products are also promoted and protected by registering these products under Geographical Indication (GI) Act, 1999. So far, 72 handloom products and 06 product logos are registered under the GI Act, which includes Maheshwar Sarees & Fabrics and Chanderi Sarees from Madhya Pradesh.

In the Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh, two handloom clusters have been sanctioned for financial assistance.
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