Govt not to amend Handlooms Act to protect interest of weavers

The government today said it has decided not to make any change in the list of items reserved for production by handlooms with a view to protecting the interests of the sector.
The government had received some "requests for review of items reserved for production by handlooms" but after the review of the matter it decided not to make any change in the list, the Textiles Ministry said in a release.
"Government of India has decided not to make any change in the Reservation Order issued under the 1985 Act, thereby protecting the interests of handloom weavers," it said.
Earlier, reports had emerged that the government was going to amend the provisions under the Act to give advantages to powerlooms.

On receipt of requests for review of items reserved for production by handlooms, the Textile Ministry referred the matter to a committee under the chairmanship of Development Commissioner (Handlooms).
The committee was formed with the mandate of looking into all relevant issues on the subject and giving its considered views, without hurting the interests of handloom weavers. Two meetings of the committee were held this year on March 20 and April 10.
"The Ministry of Textiles came to the decision of maintaining status quo, after examining the views of the committee as well as those of State Governments," it stated.

As many as 11 items, including saree, dhoti, gamcha or towel, phanek, woollen tweed, loi, muffler and barrack blanket, are reserved for production by handlooms.