Budget 2007-08: focus on Textiles, handlooms and coir industry

New Delhi, Feb 28 (UNI) Finance Minister P Chidambaram today enhanced the provision for various schemes in the textiles, handlooms and coir sectors in his budget proposals for 2007-08 in the Lok Sabha.

These are Textiles: Budgetary allocation of Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP) enhanced from Rs 189 crore in 2006-07 to Rs 425 crore in 2007-08. Technology Upgradation Fund (TUF) Scheme to be continued during the eleventh plan, with a provision of Rs 911 crore in 2007-08, as again Rs 535 crore in 2006-07.

Handlooms: The Health Insurance Scheme that has so far covered 300,000 weavers to be extended to more viewers. The scheme will also be enlarged to include ancillary workers. Allocation for handloom sector enhanced to Rs 320 crore (Rs 241 crore in 2006-07).

Coir industry: A new scheme with a provision of Rs 22.50 crore for the modernization and technology upgradation of the coir industry, with special emphasis on major coir producing states such as Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa.

UNI