(a) whether serious cases of bungling and irregularities in health insurance schemes for weavers in the country have come to light, if so, the details thereof;
(b) the amount of financial assistance provided to handicraft industries in the interests of weavers by the Government during the last three years, State-wise; and
(c) the measures taken to strengthen the scheme for providing yarn at Mill Gate value being run in the interest of weavers by the Government?
MINISTER OF TEXTILES
(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)
(a) to (c): Health Insurance Scheme was implemented by Ministry of Textiles till 30.09.2014 to provide health care facility to handloom weavers. The healthcare facility was provided through a Health Insurance Company which was selected by open tender procedure. Only the annual premium was paid to the Health Insurance Company as per the actual enrolment done. The health insurance claims submitted by the weavers were paid directly by Health Insurance Company. No irregularity in utilizing the Government of India funds were noticed in the implementation of the scheme.
The Government of India, Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) is implementing following Schemes for promotion and development of Handicrafts Sector:
1) National Handicraft Development Programme (NHDP)
2) Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS)
1. National Handicraft Development Programme (NHDP)
(i) Base Line Survey & Mobilization of Artisans under Ambedkar Hastship Vikas Yojana
(ii) Design & Technology upgradation (DTU)
(iii) Human Resource Development (HRD)
(iv) Direct Benefit to Artisans (DBA)
(v) Infrastructure and Technology Support (ITS)
(vi) Research and Development (R&D)
(vii) Marketing Support & Services (MSS)
2. Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS)
(i) Mega Cluster (MC)
(ii) Special Projects under Integrated Development and Promotion of Handicraft (IDPH)
The State-wise financial assistance provided under these schemes during the last three years is Annexed.
For strengthening the Yarn Supply Scheme, the guidelines have been revised during 2018-19. Under the Scheme, 10% price subsidy is provided on cotton, domestic Silk, Woolen yarn and Linen yarn in hank form with quantity restrictions, besides the supply of yarn at Mill Gate Price without quantity restrictions.