Karnataka Govt to update textile policy to boost exports: CM Bommai

Bengaluru, Dec 20 (KNN) With the aim to boost textile exports from the state, the Karnataka government is planning to make changes in the textile policy in the coming days, said Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

Speaking after being felicitated by the weavers in Suvarna Soudha Conference Hall for fulfilling their longstanding demands on Monday, he pointed out that the state government is making efforts to get international branding for weavers’ products from the state as it will help in increasing productivity and improving the economy.

“The government will take all necessary steps in this regard,” said Bommai.

Bommai further added that Karnataka has been the biggest exporter of textiles in the country and the Ilkal saree is quite famous across the country. But it needs branding on a national level and for which an agreement will be signed with online platforms like Amazon.

Recently the state government has increased the subsidy that has been given to the professional weaver’s community from 30 per cent to 50 per cent. The occupancy certificate will be issued to those residing in Weavers Colony.

Considering weaving at home a cottage industry, concession will be given from Karnataka State Pollution Control Board. The weaving products are being bought under the Education Department’s Vidya Vikas scheme.

From the next academic year, the education department will place the order for supplying the cloth required to stitch uniforms for the school children in the month of December. Depending upon the capacity of the Government Weavers Corporations, tender will be floated to supply the cloth for the remaining quantity. It has been decided to buy 25 per cent of the uniform requirement of various departments from Karnataka Handloom Development Corporation.

Bommai said the weavers will be disbursed loan up to Rs 2 lakh with zero per cent interest rate and also get 50 per cent concession in power charges and fixed charges for handloom and powerloom units on the lines of Tamil Nadu. Besides, those working in looms will be treated as unorganised labourers and get all benefits accordingly.  (KNN Bureau)