There is Urgent Need for Technological Up-Gradation in Handloom and Power Loom Sector to Face the Challenges of Competitive World: Prime Minister

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that there is urgent need for technological up-gradation in handloom and power loom sector to face the challenges of competitive world. He said that along with technological up-gradation, Human Resource Development (HRD) is another area in this sector which needs immediate attention. The Prime Minister Mr. Modi said that artisans, weavers and craftsmen need to be provided training in a scientific manner at their working place itself. He said that new generation should be provided financial incentives to join and continue with this profession. The Prime Minister Mr. Modi was addressing a large gathering in Varanasi today which included large number of weavers, craftsmen and artisans among others. Earlier, the Prime Minister Mr. Modi laid the foundation of a Trade Facilitation Centre (TFC) and a Crafts Museum as well as inaugurated a Power loom Service Centre at CPWD Complex, Bada Lalpur in Varanasi today. He also visited the Exhibition organized on this occasion and saw live demonstration by artisans, weavers and craftsmen and a model of proposed T FC and Crafts Museum displayed there. A film showing highlights of the textile sector as well as the proposed Trade Facilitation Centre (TFC) and a Crafts Museum was also shown on this occasion.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that textile sector is the second largest employer in the country after agriculture sector. He said that weavers, craftsmen and artisans not only weave the variety of threads in a specific design but also helps in unifying the different sections of society as this sector employs people from all sections cutting across the boundaries of caste, creed and religion. The Prime Minister Mr. Modi said that every profession has to keep pace with time and adept itself with changing requirements. Same is true with handloom and power loom sector as well, he added. They also need to change and develop according to the demands of the day. The Prime Minister Mr. Modi said that this sector therefore has to focus to upgrade its technology, marketing tactics, create new designs and products at large in order to meet the requirements of consumers and buyers. Mr. Modi said that in today’s era, e-commerce and e-business is up-coming in a big way and this sector has to make its best use to take its products to people at large. He said that there is already a big market for Banarasi handloom and handicrafts products but there is a challenge to make them reach at every household in every nook and corner of the country and the world at large. The Prime Minister said that indeed, there is need to provide finance to this sector. He said that the focus of his Government is on the development and growth of Eastern part of the country at par with Western part in order to achieve the goal of holistic growth. In this regard, he mentioned about the recent decision of the Central Government to allocate Rs. 2,375 crore as revival package for district cooperative banks. 16 of these banks are in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. This would ensure easy availability of credit to the lower and middle class, and help revive the handloom and powerloom sector, he added.

Earlier delivering the Welcome Address, Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Union Minister of State for Textiles (Independent Charge) said that proposed Trade Facilitation Centre (TFC) and a Crafts Museum would be set-up in area of about 8 acres at the cost of Rs.50 crore excluding land cost. However, total cost of the project would be around Rs.147 crore with a scope for further expansion in future as per the requirement. The Minister said that funds will not be a hindrance in this regard. Mr. Gangwar further informed that his Ministry has already approved setting-up of 13 textile parks with the financial assistance @ Rs. 40 crore per park from the Ministry. He said that 15 more such textile parks would also be set-up in the country under next five Year plan. Sanjay Panda, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India presented the vote of thanks.

Ram Naik, Governor, Uttar Pradesh and Ahmed Hasan, Minister of Health and Hamily Welfare were also present on the occasion among others.

[Source: PIB (MoT) Press Release dated 7^th November 2014]