Union Minister for Textiles (Independent charge) Santosh Gangwar has put up a written proposal requesting the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to connect the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme with the Textile Ministry. The objective of the proposal is to develop basic amenities in the localities of artisans and weavers to motivate them to continue their traditional work.

The number of weavers and artisans are on a decline due to lack of financial profits and poor facilities for their families.This situation compelled Gangwar to write to the PM to connect MGNREGA with Ministry of Textile to benefit handloom and handicraft sectors. NREGA could be used for bringing development in the villages or provide artisans with amenities like toilets, schools for their children, roads and others. These facilities will help them to continue their work of handloom.

Gangwar said that there had been allegations of misuse of NREGA scheme in the past. He added that the works which are admissible to be taken up under NREGA in villages may be done for providing the basic amenities to artisans and weavers. Development of schools would ensure education for their children while development of roads, drinking water facility, and toilets at their home as well as schools using NREGA could improve their life.

Gangwar on Friday reviewed the status of Mega Textile Cluster Project proposed for development in Lucknow. He said that the project would help in the promotion of Chikan (embroidery) work. He also met Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav regarding land and other issues related to the project.

The mega textile cluster will give a new shape to traditional Chikan work of Lucknow and support artisans in getting raw materials at a reasonable price and sale of their products at appropriate value without involving mediators. He also said that a comprehensive study of the condition of Chikan artisans will be done for development of the mega textile clusters.

Gangwar met Chikan artisans at the office of Self Employed Womens’ Association (SEWA) and later visited Dhobhi Ghat in Billauchpura locality in the old city. After inspection of the ghat, where Chikan clothes are washed for the first time by the artisans, he made announcements regarding its development. He also announced to set up an Effluent Treatment Plant at the ghat for treatment of waste water.

Another Mega Textile Cluster would also be developed in Bareilly for Zardoji artisans.

Gangwar had earlier discussed with the UP CM about development of a textile park in the state. But, the state government did not send any proposal in this regard and the ministry has extended its deadline to February 5.

The Centre has already given approved 13 textile parks and 15 more are likely to be cleared soon. Each textile park project costs at least Rs 100 crore and the Centre will contribute Rs 40 crore.