The Central Government has recently given a nod to the setting up of 25 mini-clusters in Tamil Nadu, under the Integrated Handloom Development Scheme (IHDS), which will require an investment of Rs108 crore.
The Union Government on November 27, approved the implementation of IHDS at a total cost of Rs790 crore during the 11th five year plan. The IHDS will be implemented for a period of five years beginning this fiscal and up to 2011-12.
Keeping this in mind, the Commissionerate of Handlooms and Textiles has sketched a plan for assisting more than two lakh weavers, which will be implemented during 2008. These clusters are expected to support weavers for developing new designs, enhance their work skills and offer market support for the progress of their socio-economic conditions.
Over a time period of three years, a fund of Rs60 lakh will be granted to these clusters which will be used for creation of common facility centres, upgrade of handloom machines, setting up of yarn banks and providing looms accessories.
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