New Delhi, Feb 14 (KNN) Ministry of Textiles honoured 12 weavers and artisans from different parts of the country for their outstanding work in handloom and handicrafts sector at the event titled ‘National Conclave on Creating Synergy for MSMEs in Textiles Sector’.

An exhibition showcasing achievements of the MSMEs in textiles sector was also held during the conclave. A booklet on Ease of Doing business was also released, which is available in ten languages-Hindi, Manipuri, Assamese, Bengali, Odia, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada.

Fifteen MoUs were signed at the event to facilitate foreign trade of textiles and handicrafts items and a short film on the outreach support programme of the textiles ministry was also screened.

Under the Prime Minister’s support and outreach 100 days programme, 100 districts were identified in various sectors, and among these, 39 districts were identified for the textiles sector.

Out of these 39 districts, 12 were identified for handlooms, 19 for handicrafts, and eight for powerloom.

Also, various activities were undertaken in identified districts for creating synergy for MSMEs in textile sector like holding camps for Mudra loan in collaboration with local bank, enrolment of beneficiaries on e-dhaga, distribution of tool kits to beneficiaries, registration and distribution of Pehchan cards to artisans and weavers, popularization of 24x7 help line, quality certification and social security.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Textiles, Smriti Zubin Irani, said that during the outreach programme the Government has ensured that the relevant information related to the Central Government schemes reaches beneficiaries.

She said that Rs. 6500 crore Mudra loan was sanctioned to Textiles sector MSMEs.

She further stated that as many as 2.6 lakh weavers and craft persons were brought under the social security network during the 100 days outreach programme.

Textiles Minister informed about the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan Yojana for providing pension of Rs. 3000 per month to people working in unorganized sector on payment of small premium.

Addressing the gathering, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Thawar Chand Gehlot said that 70% of people working in MSMEs of Textile Ministry belong to SC/ ST and OBC categories and urged the weavers and handicraft persons to avail the benefit of the schemes of his Ministry.

Secretary Textiles, Raghvendra Singh said that in view of the crucial role played by MSMEs in the creation of jobs and promoting inclusive economic growth, the textiles Ministry is implementing various schemes and programmes for small business in textiles and handicrafts sectors.

He said during the outreach programme Textiles Ministry officials worked in coordination with state and district administration. Textiles Secretary said exhibitions were held in targeted districts to promote sales of their products, MUDRA loans were mobilized by involving public sector banks. 

Twenty thousand new applications were received from craft persons for credit under MUDRA scheme.  Technology upgradation assistance was provided to 12,776 craft persons in 31 districts, he added.

He stated “Over 1.30 lakh Pehchan ID cards have been issued to weavers and artisans to facilitate them to claim the benefits and services they are entitled to. Other services such as yarn passbooks marketing support, social security coverage were also extended to the handloom weavers through outreach camps.”