POWERLOOM INDUSTRY

The powerloom sector occupies a pivotal position in the Indian textile industry. However, its growth has been stunted by technological obsolescence, fragmented structure, low productivity and low-end quality products. The focus will therefore be on:

• Technology upgradation;
• Modernisation of Powerloom Service Centres and testing facilities;
• Clustering of facilities to achieve optimum levels of production;
• Welfare schemes for ensuring a healthy and safe working environment for the workers.

HANDLOOM INDUSTRY

The handloom sector is known for its heritage and the tradition of excellent craftsmanship. It provides livelihood to millions of weavers and craftspersons. The industry has not only survived but also grown over the decades due to its inherent strengths like flexibility of production in small quantities, openness to innovation, low level of capital investment and immense possibility of designing fabrics. Government will continue to accord priority to this sector. Steps would be taken to promote and develop its exclusiveness for the global market. Measures will include the following:

• Training modules will be developed for weavers engaged in the production of low value added items, who may not be able to survive the competition consequent on globalisation, with the objective of upgrading their skills to enable them to find alternate employment in the textile or other allied sector;
• Comprehensive welfare measures will continue to be implemented in close cooperation with the State Governments, for better working environment and the social security of the weavers;
• Effective support systems in research and development, design inputs, skill upgradation and market linkages will be provided;
• The implementation of the Hank Yarn Obligation Order and the Reservation Orders issued under the Handloom ( Reservation of Articles for Production) Act 1985 will be reviewed keeping in mind the needs of the handloom weavers.
• Weavers Service Centres will be revamped in consonance with the contemporary trends, and, using Information Technology for efficacy, their activities suitably dovetailed with activities of centres of design excellence like NIFT and NID;
• As merchandising and marketing will be central to the success of the handloom sector, the present package of schemes for production of value added fabrics will be streamlined; innovative market-oriented schemes will be introduced; and joint ventures encouraged both at the domestic and international levels. Brand equity of handlooms will be commercially exploited to the extent possible.