(a) whether the textile industry is facing difficulties and workers are being rendered unemployed due to decrease in domestic demand of textile products, high cost of thread and global slow down;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken by the Government to protect the textile industry including the workers;
(c) whether the funds are provided to encourage the textile sector workers; and
(d) if so, the details thereof ?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES
(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)
(a) to (d): Production of Yarn and Fabric has been increasing as is evident from data given below.
Items Unit 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 (April- Sept) *
Total Yarn Mn. Kgs 7502 7909 8080 4081
Fabrics Mn.sq. mtr 62792 63500 65276 33081
*Provisional
However, in order to increase production, exports and employment in the textile sector, Government has launched various policy initiatives and schemes such as the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS), Schemes for the development of the Powerloom Section, Schemes for Technical Textiles, and Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP), Integrated Skill Development Scheme, etc. Further, under the Yarn Supply scheme, Yarn is supplied at Mill Gate Price to handloom weavers to help utilize the full employment potential of the sector.
Further Government is also implementing social welfare schemes for wavers / workers, such as Matatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana for Handloom weavers, the Group Insurance Scheme for Powerloom workers, the Aam Admi Bima Yojana for handicrafts artisans, etc. For rehabilitation of Textile workers rendered un-employed due to permanent closure of a textile mills in the private non-SSI Sector, the Textile Workers Rehabilitation Fund Scheme (TWRFS) has been introduced with effect from 15-9-1986. Relief under the scheme is provided for three years @ 75% wages in the first year, 50% wages in the second year and 25% wages in the third year. So far, 1,17,316 workers have benefitted under the scheme and an amount of Rs. 317.12 crores has been distributed upto 31st October 2015.
The details of funds utilized under the schemes relating to various segments of the Textile Industry during last three years are given in the Annexure.