By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Union Textiles Minister Kavuru Sambasiva Rao has assured the state government of Central assistance in weaving and sericulture sectors which could improve the declining cottage industry in the state.
The Centre is committed to uplift the textile and handloom industry in the State, Dr Rao said adding that focus is laid on the economic development of the local and traditional weavers.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Shillong at Umsawli, Mawlong here on Saturday, Dr Rao said “Be it funding or any other kind of assistance, the ministry is ready to boost the textile industry in the country beginning with all the states involved in handloom and weaving.”
Dr Rao said, “We will do anything for Meghalaya and not a single day will be lost in attending to any proposals made by the state government.”
The Union Minister also informed that the Centre has sanctioned around Rs 500 crore for the development of textile industry in the country and added that there is no limit for expenditure.
Admitting that the mill-products are overtaking the local products in terms of production and distribution and economy generation, Dr Rao stated that there was an urgent need to revamp the industry while preventing the ancient skills from dying out in the process.
“There is a need to upgrade the technology and increase the cultivation of weaving products besides conducting many skills training programmes to equip the local weavers with the much needed skills to compete in the national market,” Dr Rao.
The Union Minister also informed that the Centre has come up with a Revival, Reform and Restructuring (RRR) scheme which would take care of the financial needs of the local weavers, required in terms of cultivation and production.
When asked about the fear of extinction of the traditional and indigenous designs in the race for boosting the textile industry, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma said that at present, NIFT was preparing a documentation in order to identify and protect the local designs.