opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2848 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: Special Assistance to Kandi and Border Areas of Punjab
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2848

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10 TH  MARCH, 2026/ PHALGUNA 19, 1947 (SAKA)

SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO KANDI AND BORDER AREAS OF PUNJAB

2848.     DR. RAJ KUMAR CHABBEWAL:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  the  Kandi  and  border  areas  of Punjab face similar geographical disadvantages to Jammu & Kashmir and North-Eastern States, including difficult terrain, lack of irrigation facilities, frequent security concerns due to international border proximity, backwardness in infrastructure and employment opportunities and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  has  received  any  representation  from  the Government  of  Punjab  or  public  representatives  seeking  special  category status or a special development package for the Kandi and border belt of Punjab on the lines of assistance extended to Jammu & Kashmir and NorthEastern States;
- (c) if so, the details thereof along with the action taken thereon;
- (d)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  introduce  a  dedicated  Central package, special industrial incentives, enhanced border area development funds, and infrastructure projects for the Kandi and border areas of Punjab; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

- (a) to (e): Under  Border  Area  Development  Programme  2355  works  of estimated cost Rs. 230.9 crore have been completed in the State of Punjab.

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 2848 FOR 10.03.2026

Rs.189.06  crore  have  been  released  to  State  Govt.  of  Punjab  since  the FY 2014-15 under BADP. Further, BADP is in its sunset phase and no new projects are being approved under the programme.

Central Government has approved the Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II), as  a  Central  Sector  Scheme,  with  a  total  outlay  of ₹ 6839  crores  till  the Financial Year 2028-29 for comprehensive development of identified villages located in blocks abutting international land borders (ILBs), other than the Northern Border already covered under VVP-I, in the States/UTs of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, J&K, Ladakh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Trupura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

Further,  no  representation  has  been  received  regarding  seeking  special category status or a special development package for Kandi and border belt of Punjab on the lines of assistance extended to Jammu & Kashmir and North Eastern States.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2847 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: Special Drive against Drug Mafia
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Ramvir Singh Bidhuri

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2847

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10 TH  MARCH, 2026/ PHALGUNA 19, 1947 (SAKA) SPECIAL DRIVE AGAINST DRUG MAFIA

†2847. SHRI RAMVIR SINGH BIDHURI:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Delhi Police is conducting any special drive/campaign against the drug mafia to make the National Capital drug-free;

- (b) if so, the details of the actions taken under this drive/campaign;
- (c) the total number of First Information Reports (FIRs) registered, the number of persons arrested and total drugs seized so far;
- (d)  whether  the  Government  has  seized  the  properties  belonging  to  drug traffickers under this campaign, if so, the details thereof; and

(e) whether any such properties have been demolished using bulldozers, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

(a) & (b): Yes sir,  Delhi  Police  has  launched ' Operation  Kavach ' as  a focused  enforcement  drive  against  the  drug  mafia  to  make  the  National Capital drug-free. Starting from 13.05.2023 up to 23.01.2026, total 12 such special operations have been carried out in various parts of Delhi, in which 9,694  locations  were  raided,  851  cases  under  the  Narcotics  Drugs  & Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and 1,690 cases under the Delhi Excise Act, 2009 were registered; and total 2,640 persons were arrested.

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 2847 FOR 10.03.2026

(c): During  the  years  2023 to  2026  (upto  15.02.2026),  total  5,467  drugs related FIRs have been registered; 7,134 persons have been arrested; and 17,435  kilogram  (approx.)  drugs  i.e.  charas,  opium,  ganja,  smack,  heroin, poppy seed, cocaine etc. have been seized by Delhi Police.

(d) & (e): Delhi  Police  has  not  seized  any  properties  belonging  to  drug traffickers.  However, during the period from 2023 to 2026 (upto 15.02.2026), total  29  joint  demolition  operations,  along  with  civic  agencies,  were conducted against drugs traffickers by Delhi Police.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2823 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: National Handicrafts Development Programme
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: Shri Chavda Vinod Lakhamshi, Dr. Rajesh Mishra, Shri Bhojraj Nag

## NATIONAL HANDICRAFTS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

## 2823. SHRI CHAVDA VINOD LAKHAMSHI: SHRI BHOJRAJ NAG: DR. RAJESH MISHRA:

Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंत्री be pleased to state :

(a)  the  details  regarding  number  of  artisans  covered  under  the  various  components  of  the  National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) till January 2026;

(b) the details of financial assistance provided directly to the artisans and artisan groups under the NHDP including assistance extended for equipment, raw materials, marketing and infrastructure;

(c) whether the participation of the Indian handicraft artisans and exporters in international exhibitions, fairs and buyer-seller meets has increased during this period;

- (d) if so, the details thereof along with comparative figures & the key markets targeted; and
- (e) the details regarding total number of the beneficiaries in Sidhi Parliamentary constituency?

## उत्तर

## ANSWER

## वस्त्र मंत्री ( श्री गिरििाज ग िंह )

MINISTER OF TEXTILES (SHRI GIRIRAJ SINGH)

(a): A total of 4,82,678 number of artisans were covered under various components of the National Handicraft Development Programme (NHDP) during the FY 2021-22 to 2025-26.

(b): Under the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) Scheme, financial assistance is  provided  to  eligible  agencies/artisans  for  skilling,  design  development  workshops,  infrastructural support, marketing of handicrafts products in domestic & international markets, concessional loans under artisans mudra loan and Social Security etc. A total of Rs. 821.02 Crore expenditure has been incurred under NHDP Scheme during the FY 2021-22 to 2025-26.

(c) & (d): Under Marketing Services & Support component of NHDP, artisan/exporters are deputed to  participate  in  international  fairs,  thematic  exhibitions,  road  shows  abroad,  Buyer  Seller  Meets  and Reverse  Buyer  Seller  Meets  and  in  International  Craft  Exposure  Programme.   Further,  awardee artisans  are also nominated for live craft demonstrations under cultural exchange programs. Number of artisans/exporters participated in international marketing events during FY 2021-22 to 2025-26 is given below:

| Head wise details      |   2021-22 |   2022-23 |   2023-24 |   2024-25 | 2025-26   |
|------------------------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|
| Artisans/ Exporters    |       437 |       585 |       648 |       929 | 1,114     |
| Key Market (Countries) |         2 |         8 |         7 |        16 | 13        |

(e): A total of 168 number of artisans benefitted in Sidhi Parliamentary constituency during the FY 2021-22 to 2025-26 under NHDP scheme.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2820 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: National Technical Textile Mission
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: Shri Dileshwar Kamait

## NATIONAL TECHNICAL TEXTILE MISSION

## 2820. SHRI DILESHWAR KAMAIT:

Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंत्री be pleased to state :

(a) the details regarding amount of funds disbursed by the Government under National Technical Textile Mission as of December 2025;

(b) the details regarding number of approved Research & Development projects in speciality fibre and applications as on December 2025;

(c) the details regarding amount of funds allocated for the above approved projects; (d) whether start-ups have been approved under the mission; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

## उत्तर ANSWER वस्त्र मंत्री ( श्री गिरििाज ग िंह )

## MINISTER OF TEXTILES (SHRI GIRIRAJ SINGH)

(a): With a view to boost the technical textiles sector in the country, the National Technical Textiles Mission  (NTTM)  was  launched  in  the  year  2020  with  a  total  outlay  of  Rs.  1,480  crore.  Under  the Mission, an amount of Rs. 517.96 crore has been released as of December 2025.

(b) & (c): A total of 168 research projects have been approved under NTTM upto December 2025, of which 33 projects at a cost of Rs 150.80 crore have been approved in the field of speciality fibres and their applications.

(d) & (e): Under NTTM, a dedicated intervention titled 'Grant for Research and Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT)' has been implemented with an objective to support  start-up  ecosystem  of  Technical  Textiles  in  the  country  by  assisting  young  innovators, scientists/technologists,  and  start-up  ventures  in  the  field  of  Technical  Textiles  to  translate  their  ideas into  commercial  technologies/products.  Under  the  GREAT  guidelines,  a  maximum  support  of  Rs.  50 lakh is provided to each approved start-up. A total of 31 Start-ups have been approved under NTTM at a cost of Rs. 15.40 crore.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2818 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: Projects under PM Gati Shakti
Ministry: STEEL
Asked by: Shri Shashank Mani, Smt. Kamlesh Jangde, Shri Manish Jaiswal, Shri Alok Sharma, Shri Bidyut Baran Mahato, Smt. Shobhanaben Mahendrasinh Baraiya, Dr. Manna Lal Rawat, Shri Dineshbhai Makwana, Smt. Himadri Singh, Shri Praveen Patel, Shri Chandra Prakash Choudhary, Shri Bunty Vivek Sahu, Shri Bibhu Prasad Tarai, Shri Naba Charan Majhi, Shri Arun Govil, Shri Godam Nagesh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STEEL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2818

FOR ANSWER ON 10.03.2026

## PROJECTS UNDER PM GATI SHAKTI

2818.  SHRI SHASHANK MANI:

SMT. KAMLESH JANGDE:

SHRI MANISH JAISWAL:

SHRI ALOK SHARMA:

SHRI BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO:

SMT. SHOBHANABEN MAHENDRASINH BARAIYA:

DR. MANNA LAL RAWAT:

SHRI DINESHBHAI MAKWANA:

SMT. HIMADRI SINGH:

SHRI PRAVEEN PATEL:

SHRI CHANDRA PRAKASH CHOUDHARY:

SHRI BUNTY VIVEK SAHU:

SHRI BIBHU PRASAD TARAI:

SHRI NABA CHARAN MAJHI:

SHRI ARUN GOVIL:

SHRI GODAM NAGESH:

Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state:

- (a) the estimated volume of steel demand generated from infrastructure projects as of January 2026 under PM Gati Shakti;
- (b) whether any assessment has been conducted regarding participation of small and medium domestic steel producers in supplying steel for these projects;
- (c) if so, the findings thereof;
- (d)  the  impact  of  domestic  and  global  steel  price  fluctuations during  2024-2025  on project costs and supply timelines under PM Gati Shakti; and
- (e) whether the Government has taken steps to align long-term infrastructure planning under PM Gati Shakti with domestic steel production capacity to ensure supply stability and price predictability, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE          (SHRI BHUPATHIRAJU SRINIVASA VARMA) MINISTRY OF STEEL

(a)to(e):       India's  crude  steel  capacity  increased  from  102.26  Million  Tonnes  per Annum (MTPA) in 2013-14 to 200.33 MTPA in 2024-25 that is an increase of 95.90%. Production of crude steel has also increased from 81.69 MTPA in 2013-14 to 152.18 MTPA in 2024-25 (i.e. an increase of 86.28%) to meet surging needs in construction and housing, automobile and infrastructure sectors, etc.  in both public and private domains. This robust demand underscores steel's pivotal role in India's Viksit Bharat goal.

Steel is a deregulated sector where prices are determined by demand and supply, global market conditions, raw material prices, logistics, and power and fuel costs. Steel companies including the small and medium domestic steel producers supply steel to these infrastructure projects based on the techno-economic factors of market.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2809 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: Phone Snatching Cases
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Matheswaran V S

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2809

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10 TH  MARCH, 2026/ PHALGUNA 19, 1947 (SAKA)

PHONE SNATCHING CASES

2809.     SHRI MATHESWARAN V S:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of phone snatching cases occurred in Delhi which are reported and FIR registered by police helpline from January, 2024; and

(b) the total number of mobile phones recovered which are snatched or stolen from January 2024 till date in Delhi?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

(a) & (b):  As reported by Delhi Police, during the period from January, 2024 to 15.02.2026, the total number of reported cases of phone snatching and FIR registered  are  9,460  and  9,436,  respectively.    The  total  number  of  mobile phones recovered out of snatched mobiles are 3,950 and out of stolen mobiles are 13,222.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2800 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: Trade Deficit
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Shri T R Baalu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2800 ANSWERED ON 10/03/2026

## TRADE DEFICIT

2800.  SHRI T R BAALU:

Will  the  Minister  of COMMERCE  AND  INDUSTRY ( वाणिज्य और उधोग मंत्री )  be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the trade deficit in the current financial year has increased to 25 billion USD which is 25 percent higher compared to 2024;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the reasons for such a high jump in trade deficit; and
- (d) the possible impacts on Indian economy and the manner the Government is going to address this disturbing trend?

## ANSWER

## वाणिज्य और उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री ( श्री णिणिन प्रसाद ) THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a)  to  (d)  The  trade  deficit  (merchandise  and  services)  in  the  current  financial  year registered a moderate increase of 4.34%, amounting to US$ 92.27 billion during AprilDecember 2025 as compared to US$ 88.43 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year. This modest increase was accompanied by a healthy growth in exports. Total exports rose by 5.32%, from US$ 607.93 billion in April-December 2024 to US$ 640.30  billion  in  April-December  2025.  Overall, India's  trade  performance  during  the current financial year (April-December 2025) reflects resilience and steady expansion in external trade.

The moderate rise in India's  trade  deficit  is  best  understood  as  a  reflection  of  robust domestic  demand  and  the  continued  import  of  critical  inputs,  particularly  energy  and advanced  technology,  that  underpin  the  nation's  growth  trajectory.  Imports  remain indispensable for sustaining industrial expansion and developmental priorities, while the steady expansion of exports provides a strong counterbalance, ensuring that the overall deficit remains within manageable bounds.

Importantly, India continues to maintain comfortable levels of  foreign  exchange reserves, which serve as a strategic buffer to support sustainable import requirements and safeguard the economy against external shocks. This resilience underscores the country's  ability  to  finance  its  trade  needs  while  pursuing  long-term  objectives  of industrial modernization, export diversification, and global competitiveness.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2798 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: Micro Irrigation
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Murari Lal Meena

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2798

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10 TH  MARCH, 2026

## MICRO IRRIGATION

2798.  SHRI MURARI LAL MEENA:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण मंũी be pleased to state:

the details of special schemes implemented to encourage micro irrigation techniques such as drip  and  sprinkler  system  in  Dausa  area  affected  by  water  scarcity  and  overexploitation  of ground water?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण राǛ मंũी (SHRI BHAGIRATH CHOUDHARY)

Per  Drop  More  Crop  (PDMC)  Scheme  is  being  implemented  under  the  Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) across the country including Dausa District of Rajasthan. The scheme focuses on enhancing water use efficiency at farm level through use of Micro Irrigation technologies, namely, Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation systems.  Since 2015-16, 13,046 hectare area has been covered under Micro Irrigation through PDMC in Dausa District (as on 28.02.2026).

Further,  Government  of  India  has  instituted  a  Micro  Irrigation  Fund  (MIF)  with National  Bank  for  Agriculture  and  Rural  Development.  The  main  objective  of  MIF  is  to facilitate States in mobilizing the resources for top up/ additional incentives to farmers for micro irrigation over and above the assistance available under PDMC Scheme. States may also  access  MIF  for  innovative/  integrated  projects  on  micro  irrigation,  as  per  specific requirements. Under the  MIF, a project has been sanctioned for the  State of Rajasthan during 2021-22 to provide additional top up subsidy to farmers of the State including Dausa district for installation of Micro Irrigation through PDMC.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2793 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: Distribution of Assistive Devices
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Shri K Sudhakaran

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2793 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.03.2026

## DISTRIBUTION OF ASSISTIVE DEVICES

## 2793 .SHRI K SUDHAKARAN:

## Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the   Government is aware of the frequent technical  glitches ad prolonged downtime of the National  Helpline for Senior Citizens Elderline' (14567) in the State of Kerala, specifically affecting the residents of the Kannur;
- ensure 24/7 reliability of this toll-free service;
- the total  number of beneficiaries in the Kannur district  who have received assistive devices under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) during the last three years, categorized by the type of device (e.g-, dentures, walking sticks, etc.); and
- (d) whether there is a proposal to include medical diagnostic tools like glucometers and blood pressure  monitors  under the list of subsidized/free assistive devices   provided to Below Poverty Line (BPL) senior citizens, if sO, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI BL.VERMA)

(a): The Directorate of Social  Justice, Government of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, is the implementing agency for the National Helpline for Senior Citizens (Elderline) , (Toll Free Number: 14657) in the State of Kerala The Directorate has informed that there have been no instances of frequent technical glitches or prolonged downtime of the helpline number 14567 in the State of Kerala, including Kannur  district The helpline is  functioning  smoothly without major technical interruptions and its operations are being carried out effectively.

- (6): Does not arise.
- (c): No camp has been conducted in the Kannur district in the State of Kerala during the last three years under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) No beneficiary has been provided with assistive living devices either through camp mode or walk-in mode during the last three years in the Kannur district
- (d): No proposal is under consideration in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to include medical diagnostic tools such as glucometers and blood pressure monitors in the list of assistive devices provided under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2792 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-10
Subject: Academic Institutions under SAMARTH-2.0
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: Smt. Shambhavi, Shri Mukeshkumar Chandrakaant Dalal, Shri Arun Bharti, Dr. Lata Wankhede, Shri Atul Garg

## ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS UNDER SAMARTH-2.0

## 2792. SHRI MUKESHKUMAR CHANDRAKAANT DALAL:

DR. LATA WANKHEDE:

SHRI ATUL GARG:

SMT. SHAMBHAVI:

SHRI ARUN BHARTI:

Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंत्री be pleased to state :

(a) whether any collaboration between industry and academic institutions under Samarth-2.0 will ensure skill development aligned with market demand, if so, the details thereof;

(b)  whether  upgrading  of  training  infrastructure  and  its  curriculum  will  improve  the  productivity  of workforce across the textile value chain;

(c)  whether  enhanced skilling  initiatives  will  increase  employment  opportunities,  particularly  amongst youth especially women in labour-intensive textile sector;

(d)  whether  modernised  certification  and  industry-linked  training  models  will  enhance  standards  of global employability of Indian textile workers employed in Sagar Parliamentary Constituency;

(e) whether strengthening human capital through Samarth-2.0 will contribute to increased value addition and long-term competitiveness in global textile markets; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

## उत्तर

## ANSWER

## वस्त्र मंत्री ( श्री गिरििाज ग िंह )

## MINISTER OF TEXTILES (SHRI GIRIRAJ SINGH)

(a) to (f): Yes,  Samarth-2.0  has  been  announced  in  budget  speech  in  financial  year  2025-26  by Hon'ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman under para 22 (e) 'to modernize and upgrade the textile  skilling  ecosystem  through  collaboration  with  industry  and  academic  institutions.'  so  that  skill development  remains  aligned  with  market  demand,  while  training  infrastructure  and  curricula  are upgraded to improve productivity across the textile value chain. The skilling initiatives prioritize women to expand employment opportunities in the labor-intensive textile sector.

Samarth-2.0 aims to integrate the organized sector, traditional sector and academic institutions under a unified framework to support end-to-end skilling in the textile sector.

The key objectives of Samarth-2.0 include:

- i. Developing a demand-driven skilling ecosystem aligned with evolving industry requirements and global standards.
- ii. Upskilling and reskilling the workforce across the textile value chain through technology-enabled and outcome-based training.
3. iii.
4. Strengthening industry-academia collaboration through structured capacity-building programmes.
- iv. Promoting adoption of modern technologies to enhance productivity and quality while preserving traditional textile practices.
- v. Upgrading training infrastructure in academic and training institutions with modern machinery, digital classrooms and laboratories.
- vi. Enhancing employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, particularly in labour-intensive and traditional textile sectors, with special focus on women.