At the inauguration of the fourth edition of the buyer-seller meet-cum-powerloom product mela ‘TEXPO – 2015,’ jointly organized by the Powerloom Development and Export Promotion Council (PDEXCIL) and the Regional Office of the Textile Commissioner under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. PDEXCIL’s Chairman, M. Duraisamy, called upon the powerloom weavers to avail themselves of government assistance.

The Ministry of Textiles has allocated Rs. 11952.80 crore, which works out to be 26 percent of the total plan outlay, for subsidy outflow for the spinning sector. This includes committed liabilities of spinning sector of erstwhile/modified Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUF) and Revised Restructured Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (RTUFS) during the 12th plan period.

Another scheme for those working in powerloom sector aged between 18 and 59 years was being implemented by the Centre, the Group Insurance Scheme (GIS). Powerloom workers engaged in weaving, twisting, winding, warping and sizing and weavers, who own four looms or less are eligible to get coverage under the GIS. For availing the scheme, the beneficiary has to pay only Rs. 80, while the rest of the premium of Rs. 390 will be borne by the government and the LIC. If a beneficiary died in harness or sustained permanent disability, Rs. 1.5 lakh would be paid to their kin and Rs. 75,000 will be given for partial disability in accident.

During the third edition of the expo, the exhibitors had earned a revenue of Rs. 30 to Rs. 35 lakh. While, the current expo which is expected to attract more buyers-sellers and fetch more revenue.