Lok Sabha Question No. 1520 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-24
Subject: Handloom and Handicrafts in N.E. Region
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: RAM PRASAD SARMAH

## HANDLOOM AND HANDICRAFTS IN N.E. REGION

## 1520.   SHRI RAM PRASAD SARMAH:

## Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंरी

be pleased to state :

(a) whether  the  Union  Government  has  launched  any  special  scheme  for  the  development  and promotion of handloom and handicrafts in North-Eastern Region (NER);

(b) if so, the details of funds allocated for the promotion of handloom and handicrafts in NER during each of the last three years and the current year;

(c) whether the Union Government has organized any exhibition at national or international level for the promotion of handloom and handicrafts in NER and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) whether  the  desired  results  have  been  achieved  in  sales  and  purchase  of  handloom  and handicrafts of NER during the period and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## ( )

## MINISTER OF TEXTILES

## (SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a): Yes  Madam,  the  Union  Government  has  launched  a  Special  Scheme,  'North  Eastern  Region Textiles Promotion Scheme (NERTPS)' by Ministry of Textiles for the development and promotion of Textile Sector, including Handlooms and Handicrafts by providing the required support.

(b) & (c): The  number  of  Projects/Events  sanctioned  i.e.  National  Special  Handloom  Expos, Cluster Development Projects and Technology Upgradation Projects and funds released under NERTPS during the last three years and current year are given as under:-

(Rupees in lakh)

| Year    | Handloom Sector     | Handloom Sector     | Handloom Sector     | Handloom Sector                    | Handloom Sector                    | Handloom Sector   | Handicraft Sector                  | Handicraft Sector                  |
|---------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|------------------------------------|------------------------------------|-------------------|------------------------------------|------------------------------------|
| Year    | Marketing Promotion | Marketing Promotion | Cluster Projects    | Development Technology Upgradation | Development Technology Upgradation | Project           | Comprehensive development of Craft | Comprehensive development of Craft |
|         | Events sanctioned   | Amount released     | Projects sanctioned | Amount released                    | Projects sanctioned                | Amount released   | Projects sanctioned                | Amount released                    |
| 2013-14 | 07                  | 132.75              | 15                  | 153.70                             | -                                  | -                 | -                                  | -                                  |
| 2014-15 | 21                  | 381.83              | 272                 | 3347.57                            | -                                  | -                 | -                                  | -                                  |
| 2015-16 | 16                  | 599.69              | -                   | -                                  | 01                                 | 51.54             | 08                                 | 309.00                             |
| 2016-17 | 0                   | -                   | -                   | 1982.85                            | -                                  | -                 | -                                  | -                                  |

Under NERTPS, funds are not allocated separately for development and promotion of handlooms and handicrafts and releases are made based on the viable proposals received from the State Govts./Implementing Agencies etc.

(d): NERTPS  aims  to  increase  the  handloom  fabrics  production  by  way  of  establishing  market linkages,  to  encourage  innovation  in  designs  and  techniques  for  improvement  in  design  capability, diversification of product lines and value addition, better access to domestic and export markets so that weavers are able to get continuous employment and improve their living standards. Under the scheme the weavers get opportunity to increase their wages and livelihood by selling their products.  The buyers also get opportunity to get variety of handloom products across the country under one roof.

NERTPS aims for comprehensive development of handicraft in North Eastern Region.Implementation of various interventions have shown positive results.