Textiles Ministry has taken various initiatives to promote carpet industry: Ajay Tamta

Aamir H Kaki

The Ministry of Textiles has taken various initiatives for the upliftment and growth of poor weavers and artisans in the handmade carpet industry, said Ajay Tamta, Minister of State for Textiles on Monday.

“We have taken various measures for the upliftment and growth of the poor artisans in the handloom carpet industry, he said on the sidelines of the 33rd edition of the India Carpet Expo (ICE), which is being held on 27-30 in New Delhi.

“Textile sector is the second largest employer after agriculture in India. As Textile Ministry covers a vast portfolio, there is a maximum scope of employment generation at the artisans and weavers level,” Tamta said.

“In order to encourage weavers and artisans to increase production of handmade carpets, the Central Government is providing a lot of facilities and subsidies,” he added.

In response to the question on what government is doing on skill development, the Minister informed, “On the occasion of Handloom Day, on August 7, 2016, Ministry of Textiles has signed five memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship for skill upgradation of handloom weavers. Of these, two MoUs were related to education and one is to provide subsidised loans to the handloom weavers at the rate of 6%, through MUDRA Bank.”

“The Central Government also provides 90% subsidy on everything to those weavers who want to set up their own handlooms,” he added.

Tamta further said that in order to upgrade the weavers’ community, the Ministry also signed an MoU with the designers and is taking every possible step to promote this traditional skill and artwork.

On the question of any new schemes for artisans in the state of UP, the Minister said that irrespective of the state government, our ministry works for the promotion of weavers and artisans all across the country. For this, we have also identified regions/clusters where the weaving community is based.

Appreciating the Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) for organising such a big event, Tamta said it is a good platform and opportunity for handloom weavers to showcase their art and products in front of international buyers.

Handmade carpet industry is worth around Rs.10,000 crore. India is the largest exporter of handmade carpets in the world, he said.

The event was inaugurated by Textile Minister Smriti Zubin Irani.