Textiles Min decides to continue diploma courses at IIHT

Textiles Ministry has decided to continue with the diploma courses at the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT) Salem, Tamil Nadu.
"After considering several representations demanding continuation of Diploma Courses at Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, Salem, Textiles Minister Smriti Zubin Irani has issued orders to permit admissions to diploma courses immediately," the ministry today said in a statement.
Last year, the ministry had decided to upgrade the diploma course to 4-year B.Tech course and discontinue the diploma.
Several representations were received to also continue the diploma courses since it is more affordable to poor weaver community, it said.
"After considering the representations, the Ministry of Textiles has decided to revive the diploma course in the interest of children from handloom weaving families. This has resolved an important local demand of weaver community," it added.

The course will be available in addition to 4-year B.Tech course.
The Ministry will create additional infrastructure to enable running of both the courses simultaneously.
The pass-outs of the course have been providing qualified manpower for carrying out various developmental activities for the handloom sector.