Question : PRODUCTION OF KAPAS

(a) whether the Government is aware that India is one of the largest Kapas producing and processing country in the World;

(b) if so, whether the Government is aware that in Maharashtra due to closure of Sutgiris about 10 lakhs people have lost their jobs;

(c) if so, the action taken by the Government to open Sutgiris so that people get back their employment;

(d) the reasons for closure of these Sutgiris;

(e) whether the Government can chalk out a plan to make these Sutgiris operational; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)

(a): Yes, Sir.

(b) to (f): As on 31st October, 2004, a total of 33 spinning mills having 23592 workers on rolls are reported to be closed in the State of Maharashtra due to reasons like financial difficulties, strike/labour problems etc. These Sutgiris being in the private sector, prime responsibility regarding making them operational rests with the management of these mills. The Government of India has no existing scheme for reopening of closed textile mills in the private/cooperative sector.