(a) whether the Government are aware of the difficulties faced by the coir workers due to the non-payment of rebate dues as per the rebate scheme on sale of coir yarn and coir products;
(b) whether the Government have received any representation for the clearance of the dues and continuation of the rebate scheme; and
(c) if so, the action taken by the Government thereon?
THE MINISTER OF AGRO AND RURAL INDUSTRIES (SHRI KARIYA MUNDA)
(a) to (c): A few State Governments have sought payment of rebate claiming to be arrears and continuation of the rebate scheme. Since the claims are in excess of the prescribed limits of the amount earmarked for the purpose, their requests could not be entertained. Moreover, a Market Development Assistance scheme in place of the Rebate scheme has already been introduced in the Coir sector with effect from 2000-2001.