Powerloom sector faces risk of extinction: MP Bhiwandi
Updated: Jun 11, 2013 01:01:00pm
New Delhi, Jun 11 (KNN) The powerloom sector with five lakh units employing over six million workers in different parts of the country faces the threat of extinction, if no immediate steps are taken to improve the lot of weavers, workers and small entrepreneurs, a member of Parliament (MP) from Bhiwandi constituency of Maharashtra, Suresh Kashinath Taware said.
“If no concrete remedial measures are taken to save powerloom sector, there is a risk of extinction of this sector in near future,” the MP said in his private member bill which was introduced in the last session of the Parliament.
The proposed national welfare policy includes interest free loans to powerloom weavers and workers, payment of ex-gratia amount to families of such weavers, who die in harness, supply of cotton yarn and other raw materials at subsidised rate to the weavers, measures for stabilising the price of cotton yarn etc.
Meanwhile, there are more than five lakh units in the country and nearly 23 lakh powerlooms from which nearly six million workers earn their livelihood.
Further, the policy recommends for insurance cover to all weavers and workers, health care facilities to them and their dependent family members, educational facilities including vocational training for the dependent children of small entrepreneurs and measures for revival of units which are on the verge of closure.
It is unfortunate that weavers, workers and small entrepreneurs are facing a lot of difficulties. The foremost reason for this is non-availability of yarn at affordable prices. The disturbing and sad part is that most of the weavers are debt-ridden and poverty-stricken for long and their condition has become miserable, the bill said.
In Bhiwandi (Maharashtra), many units have been closed down and several others are on the verge of collapse.
Further, there is no uniformity in the price of cotton yarn. Packets of yarn don't indicate price, which leads to the purchase of yarn at inflated prices. As a result, a large number of powerloom units have to be closed down because their operation becomes unviable.
Moreover, the business of small entrepreneurs in the sector has been suffering. Therefore, it requires intervention on the part of the government to take immediate remedial measures in order to save the sector.
The units are located mainly in the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Bhiwandi, Malegaon and Ichalkaranchi in Maharashtra are the main centres. Cloth made from powerlooms is in vogue not only at home but also abroad.
There is an urgent need for formulation and implementation of a national welfare policy for the welfare of weavers, workers and small entrepreneurs engaged in this sector across the country.
Suresh Kashinath Taware is a member of the 15th Lok Sabha of India. He represents the Bhiwandi constituency of Maharashtra and is a member of the Indian National Congress (INC). (KNN)
“If no concrete remedial measures are taken to save powerloom sector, there is a risk of extinction of this sector in near future,” the MP said in his private member bill which was introduced in the last session of the Parliament.
The proposed national welfare policy includes interest free loans to powerloom weavers and workers, payment of ex-gratia amount to families of such weavers, who die in harness, supply of cotton yarn and other raw materials at subsidised rate to the weavers, measures for stabilising the price of cotton yarn etc.
Meanwhile, there are more than five lakh units in the country and nearly 23 lakh powerlooms from which nearly six million workers earn their livelihood.
Further, the policy recommends for insurance cover to all weavers and workers, health care facilities to them and their dependent family members, educational facilities including vocational training for the dependent children of small entrepreneurs and measures for revival of units which are on the verge of closure.
It is unfortunate that weavers, workers and small entrepreneurs are facing a lot of difficulties. The foremost reason for this is non-availability of yarn at affordable prices. The disturbing and sad part is that most of the weavers are debt-ridden and poverty-stricken for long and their condition has become miserable, the bill said.
In Bhiwandi (Maharashtra), many units have been closed down and several others are on the verge of collapse.
Further, there is no uniformity in the price of cotton yarn. Packets of yarn don't indicate price, which leads to the purchase of yarn at inflated prices. As a result, a large number of powerloom units have to be closed down because their operation becomes unviable.
Moreover, the business of small entrepreneurs in the sector has been suffering. Therefore, it requires intervention on the part of the government to take immediate remedial measures in order to save the sector.
The units are located mainly in the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Bhiwandi, Malegaon and Ichalkaranchi in Maharashtra are the main centres. Cloth made from powerlooms is in vogue not only at home but also abroad.
There is an urgent need for formulation and implementation of a national welfare policy for the welfare of weavers, workers and small entrepreneurs engaged in this sector across the country.
Suresh Kashinath Taware is a member of the 15th Lok Sabha of India. He represents the Bhiwandi constituency of Maharashtra and is a member of the Indian National Congress (INC). (KNN)
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