Guwahati, April 2: The 450 power-loom units in Assam have a chance to upgrade with the Centre launching a scheme to modernise and develop the sector.
PowerTex India - a comprehensive scheme for power-loom sector development, was launched by Union textiles minister Smriti Irani at Bhiwandi in Maharashtra yesterday. The scheme aims to boost common infrastructure and modernise the power-loom sector.
The three-year scheme has nine components: in-situ upgrade of plain power-looms, group workshed scheme, yarn bank scheme, common facility centre scheme, Pradhan Mantri Credit Scheme for power-loom weavers, solar energy scheme for power looms, facilitation, awareness, market development and publicity for power loom service centres, grant-in-aid and modernisation/upgrade of power loom service centres.
A power loom is a mechanised loom powered by a line shaft and was one of the key developments in the industrialisation of weaving during the early Industrial Revolution.
"This is an exclusive scheme for power loom development, which was never there earlier and would greatly benefit those who want to go for technological upgrade," an official said.
The central subsidy to upgrade plain power looms into semi-automatic looms and shuttle-less rapier looms by installing specified kits has been enhanced. Power loom units having up to eight looms are eligible.
Altogether 1,25,000 plain power looms in the country have been targeted for upgrade in the next three years.
A.K. Haloi from the Indian Jute Industries' Research Association said the scheme will be of great advantage for both the existing and new power-loom units.
A state government official said the state should take advantage of the scheme.
The scheme also has provisions for installation of solar plants and would provide financial assistance/capital subsidy for installation of solar photo voltaic plant (solar plant) by small power-loom units to alleviate the problem of power-cuts.
Bhabesh Kalita, MLA of Rangia constituency in Kamrup district, said the scheme would be very helpful and the people of Assam need to take maximum advantage of it. He asked all the entrepreneurs, weavers, trainees and others to utilise the scheme to the fullest.
