Govt unveils benefits for SC artisans in textiles sector

Government today announced a host of welfare measures for Scheduled Caste (SC) category weavers, artisans and entrepreneurs in the textile sector.
Government will also formulate a housing scheme for SC workers in the jute sector and provide marketing support to weavers.
"The Ministry of Textiles proposes to give fresh impetus to measures for the welfare and development of weavers, artisans, jute workers, sericulture workers, entrepreneurs and others in the textile sector, belonging to the Scheduled Caste category.
"A clear strategy and action plan have been formulated for the same, with a budget allocation of Rs 167.5 crore for the current financial year," an official statement said.

According to the decisions announced, SC weavers will now get higher subsidy for powerloom upgradation under a modified scheme.
The ministry said the guidelines for In-Situ Upgradation Scheme for Plain Powerlooms have been modified and weavers will receive differentiated and enhanced subsidy under the new scheme.

"The Government of India will provide financial assistance to the extent of 75 per cent of the cost of upgradation, up to a maximum subsidy of Rs 60,000 per loom, for attachment with rapier kit. The new scheme has come into effect from April 1, 2016," it said.
Moreover, government has now decided to bear SC weavers' share completely towards Group Insurance Scheme for powerloom workers.

Till now, SC weavers were required to pay Rs 80 as share of the premium towards the insurance scheme. Government's share was Rs 290 per weaver and Rs 100 was paid from Social Security Fund of LIC.
As regards the jute sector, it said training and skill development of SC workers has been initiated by National Jute Manufacturers Corporation (NJMC).
Besides, SC category members working in jute mills will now receive additional subsidy for coverage of life insurance and accident insurance, by paying the premium under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).

"SC workers in jute mills will now have better housing facilities; a scheme for housing shall be formulated, with 50 per cent subsidy being given by the Union Government," the Textiles Ministry said.
"It has been decided to focus on providing marketing
support to SC weavers, to enable them to participate in various handloom marketing events. Arrangements will be made for their travel, lodging and boarding.
"It has been decided that block-level handloom clusters having at least 25 per cent weavers in the SC category will be given preference, while sanctioning Central Government financial assistance," it added.
In the handicrafts sector, the budget outlay for welfare of SC category artisans has been increased from Rs 14.6 crore in 2015-16 to Rs 43 crore in 2016-17.

The measures include a higher stipend of Rs 250 (from Rs 150 earlier) to trainees undergoing training under HRD Scheme for Design and Technology Upgradation, a higher DA of Rs 250 (from Rs 150 earlier) and local conveyance allowance of Rs 150 for participation in marketing activities, increase in freight allowance and free stall space at Dilli Haat.
For the silk sector, Textiles Ministry said a special scheme for SC beneficiaries has been prepared for 2016-17 at a total cost of Rs 24 crore.
The scheme covers all important beneficiary-oriented activities across the silk production chain, involving both Central Silk Board and Department of Sericulture for implementation.

It will cover around 1,000 SC families in the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Telengana and Andhra Pradesh.