Naveen seeks setting up of handloom tech institute at Bargarh

New Delhi, Sep 6 (UNI) Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today called on Union Textiles Minister Shankar Sinh Vaghela and discussed establishment of the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT) at Bargarh.

The state government has already reserved land for the institute and identified a building for the purpose.

Mr Patnaik requested the Union Minister to take steps to make the IIHT, Bargarh operational as this would benefit a large number of weavers.

He underscored the fact that the Bargarh-Sambalpur area has the largest number of tie and dye weavers in India and the area has great potential to emerge as an export hub for handloom textiles.

Regarding the restructuring plan of the Orissa State Weavers Cooperative Society Ltd (Boyanika), the chief minister sought the early release of the first instalment of the Centre's share for successful implementation of the revival plan.

Mr Vaghela, whose attention was drawn to the release of Rs 7.50 crore by the state government in compliance with the approved scheme of the Textiles Ministry, assured that the Apex Committee would meet shortly to sanction the proposal.

Mr Patnaik, who took up various issues relating to the welfare of handloom weavers, also requested the Union Minister to operationalise the Apparel Training and Design Centre (ATDC) that has been sanctioned by the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC).

The state government has already earmarked a building for the centre at the state capital, Bhubaneswar.

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