The percentage share of textile sector, including handloom sector in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is on an average 2.0% at 1999-00 prices. The employment in the handloom sector as per 1995-96 census is 65,50,126 which is approximately 1.65% of the employment in organized and unorganized sector. The present status of employment in the handloom sector shall be known after completion of ongoing census which is likely to be completed by the end of 2010. The fibre-wise employment detail in handloom sector is not available. This information was given by Smt. Panabaaka Lakshmi, the Minister of State for Textiles, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha to a question raised by Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar.
The Minister further stated that the Government of India is implementing number of Schemes to enhance production, productivity and efficiency of the handloom sector and enhance the income and socio-economic status of the handloom weavers by upgrading their skill and providing infrastructural input and marketing support.
During the 11th Five Year Plan, the schemes of (i) Integrated Handlooms Development Scheme; (ii) Marketing and Export Promotion Scheme; (iii) Handloom Weavers' Comprehensive Welfare Scheme; (iv) Mill Gate Price Scheme; and (v) Diversified Handloom Development Scheme are being implemented for upliftment of handloom sector, the Minister added.