Centre to mull setting up mega handloom cluster in Orissa

03 Apr '12

1 min read

Union Textiles Minister Anand Sharma has stated that the Central Government would consider Orissa government's proposal for setting up mega handloom clusters in the state, including one in Bargarh district.

The statement was made by Mr. Sharma after a meeting with the state Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who expressed discontent over exclusion of Orissa by the Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, while announcing the mega cluster scheme in his 2012-13 Budget speech.

The mega handloom cluster scheme is aimed at benefiting weavers across India.

The state CM also voiced the woes of the handloom and handicraft industry in the state during the meeting.

Mr. Sharma said his Ministry would certainly like to join hands with Orissa government for setting up handloom clusters in the state. However, this can be done only after they receive a detailed proposal from the state government in this regard.

With regards to welfare of the weavers in the state, the Minister said they are eligible to enjoy benefits under two schemes. The state government has been organizing camps to identify beneficiaries for the schemes, he added.

The Minister informed that the Ministry of Textiles is setting up a National Institute of Fashion Technology in Orissa.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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