Date:21/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/21/stories/2008052157660100.htm

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Rs. 60 lakh for handloom cluster

L. Renganathan

— File Photo by R.M. Rajarathinam

Facilities coming: A weaver at work in a unit.

KARUR: Vengamedu Handloom Cluster here is to be developed at a cost of Rs. 60 lakh and the work will be taken up in a phased manner over the next three years. It will benefit 330 weavers in the cooperative and private sectors.

The Department of Handloom and Textiles has formed the cluster in an area that has been traditionally catering to the weaving needs of Karur-based exporters. The aim of the programme is to arrest the dwindling number of handloom weavers and streamline their social security benefits through coordinated efforts.

There are 56 weavers in the cooperative fold and another 274 in the private fold in this cluster. The scheme envisages assistance for weavers to get loom sheds at a subsidised cost, loom implements, margin money, jacquard box, dyeing implements and training in weaving and designing sectors.

Of the total outlay of Rs. 60 lakh, the first instalment of Rs.19,27,500 has been already released as subsidy and preliminary work taken up.

Under the weavers’ insurance scheme, while 4,798 medical identity cards were issued in 2007-08, 4,702 weavers have been enlisted in the current year till date.

Using the identity cards, weavers can avail medical facilities in select hospitals in their area.

The maximum amount that will be reimbursed is Rs.15,000 a year and the scheme will cover the weaver and three of his family members. It is being implemented in collaboration with ICICI Lombard.

Under the Bungar Bheema Yojana, assistance to the tune of Rs.6.50 lakh has been extended to the next of kin of 13 deceased weaver-members. Educational assistance is also being given to children of members covered under the scheme.