Government Boosts Powerloom Sector with New Initiatives
The Government of India has rolled out a series of initiatives aimed at the comprehensive development of the powerloom sector across the country, particularly enhancing operations in key hubs such as Bhiwandi, Ichalkaranji, and Malegaon. These programs focus on improving current powerloom clusters and ensuring the sector’s growth and competitiveness in the textile industry.
Comprehensive Support for Powerloom Clusters
One of the flagship initiatives is the Comprehensive Powerloom Cluster Development Scheme (CPCDS). This program targets the holistic improvement of existing powerloom clusters, offering up to Rs. 50 crores in financial support for each approved Powerloom Mega Cluster project. The CPCDS has been integrated into the Textile Cluster Development Scheme (TCDS), focusing on completing ongoing projects while handling committed liabilities. Notably, the Ichalkaranji Powerloom Mega Cluster received Rs. 44.85 crore in support since its sanctioning in 2012.
Empowering the Decentralized Sector
Another significant initiative is the PowerTex India Scheme, designed to boost the capabilities and competitiveness of the decentralized powerloom sector. This scheme, which had an outlay of Rs. 487 crores from 2017 to 2020, was extended through 2021. Under this scheme, substantial financial support has been allocated to various clusters, with amounts like Rs. 11.58 crore for Ichalkaranji, Rs. 58.08 crore for Bhiwandi, and Rs. 12.28 crore for Malegaon.
Technology Upgradation for Growth
The Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS) complements these efforts by providing credit-linked Capital Investment Subsidy (CIS) to units nationwide for purchasing benchmarked machinery. This scheme supports sectors beyond spinning and is particularly beneficial for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Although the scheme’s validity ended on March 31, 2022, financial aid has reached Rs. 262.04 crore for 1,234 units across Ichalkaranji, Bhiwandi, and Malegaon.
Enhanced Training and Support Services
The Textile Cluster Development Scheme (TCDS) further enhances the sector by offering grant-in-aid to Integrated Textile and Apparel Development Centres (ITADCs), formerly known as Powerloom Service Centres. These centers in the mentioned clusters provide vital services such as testing, training, and technical consultancy. In the past three years, they have trained 1,433 weavers, equipping them with essential skills to thrive in the industry.
State-Level Initiatives
Moreover, the Government of Maharashtra is implementing its own initiative known as the Maharashtra Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (MAHA_TUFS). This program aims to bolster investments, productivity, quality, employment, and exports within the powerloom sector through various incentives for technology upgrades.
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