New Delhi, Nov. 9 (PTI): Textiles Minister Shankarsinh Vaghela on Tuesday announced new initiatives to improve the handloom sector.
Speaking during the second All-India Handloom Board meeting here, he spelt out the 'Integrated Handloom Cluster Development Scheme', which aims at development of handloom clusters and adopting an inclusive and holistic manner to build their capacity.
The scheme is being introduced in 20 handloom clusters at a cost of Rs 40 crore, he said, adding that it would support weavers in the cooperative and outside, including those from Self Help Groups, NGOs and Small and Medium Enterprises.
Quality human resource inputs for various functions would be provided to each cluster for which the central government would provide funds directly, an official statement said here.
"It is expected that through various interventions, the weaknesses of the cluster will be rectified and would make their products more competitive in the market place. Special emphasis would be given on the design component where assistance of professional designers will be taken as well as product diversification undertaken," the statement said.
The Minister also announced a health insurance scheme for three lakh weavers. The scheme would not only cover the weaver but his wife and two children, also covering all pre-existing diseases.
