Question : SCHEME FOR HANDICRAFT

(a) whether the government aim at providing financial assistance to artisans and weavers under the self-employment credit card scheme;

(b) if so, the details of the number of artisans and weavers benefited during each of the last three years under this scheme, State-wise;

(c) whether the Government has prepared the schemes to promote handloom items given the circumstances that the Multi-fibre agreement has expired in December, 2004;

(d) whether any arrangement has been made in the wake of the globalisation of market and any provision has been made in the scheme to promote handloom and handicrafts products; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF TEXTILES (SHRI SHANKERSINH VAGHELA)

(a): Artisan Credit Card (ACC) Scheme is being implemented through banks to smoothen credit flow to handicrafts artisans. For handloom weavers another scheme of Swarojargar Credit Card (SCC) is under operation through NABARD.

(b): As reported by banks, the number of artisans covered under ACC in the country is 16500 during 2003-04 and 5299 during 2004-05 so far. State-wise details are not available. Besides handloom weavers, the SCC scheme covers other vocations also and as per available information from NABARD, segregated figures of number of weavers are not maintained. Both these schemes are in operation since 2003-04.

(c)to(e): To promote handloom exports in the post Multi Fibre Agreement period and to enhance export of handicrafts and handloom products in the wake of globalization, the Government is implementing handloom export scheme and a scheme of export promotion for handicrafts which include: development and diversification of exportable product range; participation in international fairs/exhibitions; organisation of buyer-seller’s meets in important markets abroad; assistance to Handloom Export Promotion Council, Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts and Carpet Export Promotion Council; organisation of Indian Handicrafts & Gift Fair and Carpet Expo at New Delhi and setting up of Indian Exposition Mart at Greater Noida etc. In addition, incentives like duty draw back on export proceeds, duty free import of trimmings & embellishments, setting up of Special Economic Zones, setting up of 30 shops & warehouse at Dallas Mart (USA) and assistance under Market Development Assistance and Market Access Initiative schemes are also available to exporters/Export Promotion Councils.