Govt examining two schemes for powerloom sector

Government is examining two schemes -- New Powerloom Credit Yojana and Solar Energy Scheme -- for the powerloom sector, Parliament was informed today.
"Ministry of Textiles has proposed two schemes namely New Powerloom Credit Yojana and Solar Energy Scheme for powerloom sector which are under examination," Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
The schemes are being considered as powerlooms in states like Maharashtra and Gujarat are operating at sub-optimal capacities. Moreover, factors like reduced purchase of fabrics and high input costs have led to partial stoppage of powerlooms in some clusters.
Earlier the government had approved a special package of approximately Rs 6,000 crore for the country's apparel sector.

In the package, garment sector has been provided with special incentives for employment generation, enhanced duty drawback covering state levies, relaxation under Section 80JJAA of Income Tax Act and simplified labour laws.
Government has been implementing several schemes for the development of the decentralised powerloom sector which include the in-situ upgradation scheme for plain powerlooms; and Group Workshed Scheme for giving assistance for constructing workshed for powerloom sector.
They also include the Integrated Scheme for Powerloom Sector Development (ISPSD) for extending support in the form of buyer seller meet, yarn banks, setting up of common facility centres, organising seminar/workshop regarding Government schemes, Group Insurance Scheme for social security and Integrated Skill Development Scheme (ISDS) for skill upgradation.