ANNUAL REPORT 2000-2001--SC/ST AND WOMEN WELFARE IN TEXTILES

HANDICRAFT SECTOR

In the handicrafts sector about 32% of the outlay inspect of identified Central Sector Schemes is earmarked for the benefit of the scheduled caste, scheduled tribe and women artisans with an allocation of 15%, 7.5% and 10% respectively, The major schemes in which this allocation has been made are (i) training,(ii) design and technical development (iii) marketing, (iv) exhibition and publicity (v) survey and study (vi) craft development Centres (vii) welfare and others schemes (viii) market development support, (ix) assistance to NEHHDC (x) Museum, etc.

Out of the total persons trained in different crafts, nearly 24.5% belong to scheduled caste and 75% to scheduled tribe communities.

WELFARE OF WOMEN
In the handicrafts sector, women constitute a major segment of handicrafts workers i.e. around 4.5% of the total workforce. Special attention is being paid to ensure that a large number of women artisans get benefit in all the developmental schemes such as training, marketing related programmes, National Awards, exhibitions etc. being implemented by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) Voluntary organisations like Self-employed Women' Association, Ahmedabad, SHASHA, Kolkata, Mahila Kalyan Samithi, Philbit, SHRUJAN Trust, Bhuj, etc. are being financially assisted to encourage women participation in various crafts activities. Nearly 40% of artisans who have benefited under these schemes are women. During the year 2000-2001, the total outlay for special component plan for scheduled caste, tribal sub-plan and sub-plan for women are as given in Table 14.1

HANDLOOM SECTOR
Handloom Sector occupies a place of eminence in preserving the Country's heritage and culture and plays a vital role in the economy of the country. It has a long tradition of excellence in its craftsmanship. In terms of employment, over 65 lakhs persons are engaged in handloom weaving and allied activity with 35 lakhs looms. Among weavers, 65% are women and 32% belong to SC/ST category.
In order to assist the Handloom Weavers as a whole including SC, ST and women weavers, the Government of India has been implementing many Schemes through State Governments for the over all Development of the Handloom Sector for the purpose of (i) Employment-Generation, (ii) Modernisation and upgradation of technology, (ii) Input support, (iv) marketing Support, (v) Publicity & Exhibition, (vi) Infrastructural Support, (vii) Welfare measures, (viii) Composite Growth (ix) Development of Exportable Products and (x) Research & Development etc. Govt. of India has taken new initiatives in addition to ongoing schemes and programmes by launching a new scheme, namely Deen Dayal Hathkargha Protsahan Yojana and has set up a national Centre for Textile Design (NCTD) recently for providing design input for value addition. Since most of the handloom weavers are below the poverty line and belong to the down trodden and marginalised section of the society, the Government has made the welfare of the weavers, a prominent concern. In view of above, provision for comprehensive package. In the case of agencies having 100% SC/ST/Women/Minorities population, the grant portion will be shared in the ratio of 75.25 between the centre and the State under the Deen Dayal Hathkargha Protsahan Yojana.

WELFARE OF WOMEN
In Handloom Sector women contribute a considerable segment of the total workforce Special attention is being paid to ensure that a large number of women artisans get benefit in all the development schemes such as training, marketing related award, national awards exhibitions etc. being implemented by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms). Even more attention is being concentrated on women as this year is being celebrated as "Women Year" by the UNO.

Table 1.41

Sl. No.	Name of scheme	Total outlay	TSP	SCP	WSP
1	Training Schemes	2600.00	255.00	510.00	297.00
2	Design and Technical	425.10	25.00	50.00	27.00
3	Marketing and Service Extn. Centres	360.10	25.00	50.00	45.00
4	Exhibition and publicity	90.70	10.00	20.00	8.00
5	Museums	35.00	2.00	4.00	7.00
6	Survey and Study	75.00	10.00	20.00	2.00
7	Craft Development Centres/CFCs	160.10	13.00	26.00	18.00
8	Welfare and other schemes	138.00	11.00	22.00	20.00
9	Assistance to NEHHDC	75.00	2.00	4.00	10.00
10	Assistance to Central State Corporation/ Apex Coops. Societies for new sales outlets (market Development )	550.00	18.00	36.00	58.00
11	Assistance to ICT, Bhodohi	100.00	-	-	-
12	Export Promotion Regulation	135.00	-	-	-
13	Capital head	146.00	-	-	-
14	NER States including Sikkim	1075.00	80.00	160.00	108.00
15	O/o Dev. Commissioner (Handicrafts)	35.00	-	-	-
	Total	6000.00	451.00	902.00	600.00