Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 4:20PM by PIB Delhi

Ministry of Textiles is continuously monitoring export performance of textiles and taking various measures to boost production and exports in consultation with Textiles Export Promotion Councils and Industry Associations.

Government is implementing Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme for Apparel/Garments and Made-ups in order to enhance competitiveness by adopting principle of zero-rated exports. Further, textiles products not covered under the RoSCTL scheme are covered under Remissions of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) along with other products. In addition, Government provides financial support to various Export Promotion Councils and Trade Bodies under Market Access Initiative Scheme implemented by Department of Commerce for organising and participating in trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer-seller meets etc at national and international levels to boost export.

As per Para 2.55 of Foreign Trade Policy, 2023

(i)         Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) are policy instruments for Government to support exports. ECAs support exports by insurance, guarantee and also direct lending. Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) like Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India Ltd. (ECGC) provides credit insurance support to exports and export credit lending. Covers issued by ECGC to exporters, protect against losses arising out of payment failures due to insolvency or default of the buyers or due to political risks. Exporters can diversify their markets in addition to protecting existing markets through such covers. ECGC also supports Medium and Long term (MLT) exports including project exports. Exim Bank is the other ECA in the business of lending for MLT exports and fronting the government’s line of credit.

(ii)        ECGC indemnifies losses of exporters in export trade due to insolvency or default of the buyer. Additionally, losses due to political risk like war, sudden import restriction, promulgation of law or decree after the shipment has been affected are also covered. Some of the anti- dumping measures or non-tariff barriers introduced after a shipment has been made will come under the purview of the political risk. In such cases exporter’s interest are protected by ECGC.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA

MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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DHANYA SANAL K

DIRECTOR

(Lok Sabha US Q4045)

(Release ID: 2115268) Visitor Counter : 51

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 4:18PM by PIB Delhi

To promote the Handloom and Handicraft sectors, Ministry of Textiles is implementing the following schemes across the country:

1. National Handloom Development Programme;
2. Raw Material Supply Scheme;
3. National Handicrafts Development Programme
4. Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme

Under the above schemes, financial assistance is provided to the eligible handloom and handicraft agencies/weavers/artisans for raw materials, common infrastructure development, marketing of handloom and handicraft products in domestic/overseas markets, Weaver MUDRA Loans etc.

In addition to the above,

• Ministry of Textiles is also seeking protection of traditional designs and patterns under the Geographical Indication (GI) Act, 1999. This Ministry provides financial assistance for registering the designs/products under the GI Act and for organizing seminars, workshops etc., for awareness creation.
• Design Resource Centres have been set up in 16 Weavers’ Service Centres across the country including at Jaipur, Rajasthan to preserve traditional handloom designs, and to build and create design-oriented excellence in the Handloom Sector.
• Marketing platform is provided to the handloom & handicrafts agencies/weavers/artisans by organizing marketing expos/events to sell their products. During last three years, a total of 43 expos/events have been organised in the State of Rajasthan.
• To enhance productivity, marketing capabilities and ensure better incomes, more than 380 Producer Companies (PCs) have been formed in different States across country including 16 PCs in the state of Rajasthan.
• Steps have been taken to on-board weavers and artisans on Government e-Market (GeM) place to enable them sell their products directly to various Government Departments and organizations. So far about 1.80 lakh weavers have been on-boarded on the GeM portal.

Funds are not allocated State-wise. The funds are released based on receipt of proposals from the State Governments and other Handloom organisations.

Handloom and Handicrafts are mainly an individual based household activity to which Minimum Wages Act is not applicable. However, through schematic interventions, as specified above, Ministry of Textile provides direct marketing platforms giving ample opportunities for business development and income generation to weavers and artisans across the country.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA

MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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DHANYA SANAL K

DIRECTOR

(Lok Sabha US Q3914)

(Release ID: 2115265) Visitor Counter : 53

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 4:17PM by PIB Delhi

The Government through Central Silk Board has been implementing Silk Samagra-2 scheme with an outlay of Rs. 4,679.85 crore for the overall development of sericulture industry in the country from the year 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided to states towards implementation of various beneficiary oriented field level critical interventions, which includes raising of kissan nurseries, silkworm rearing packages (includes assistance for plantation, irrigation, rearing house, rearing equipments & prophylactic measures), establishment of chawki rearing centres in pre-cocoon sector, support & infrastructure oriented interventions for silkworm seed sector, silk reeling, spinning, weaving, processing components meant for post cocoon sector. 

So far, the central assistance of Rs. 1,075.58 crore has been provide to States to cover around 78,000 beneficiaries under Silk Samagra-2 scheme towards implementation of beneficiary-oriented components covering both pre & post cocoon activities/machineries for the growth and sustainability of sericulture sector.

Additionally, through Research & Development activities, the production and productivity of silk has been improved to achieve the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in silk sector.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA

MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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DHANYA SANAL K

DIRECTOR

(Lok Sabha US Q3999)

 

(Release ID: 2115263) Visitor Counter : 56

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 4:16PM by PIB Delhi

The Government of India is implementing various schemes/initiatives aimed at promoting the textile sector pan India. The major schemes/initiatives include PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks Scheme which seeks to create a modern, integrated large scale, world class industrial ecosystem, which will help in attracting investments and boosting employment; Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme focusing on Man Made Fibre & Apparel, and Technical Textiles to boost large scale manufacturing and enhancing competitiveness; National Technical Textiles Mission focusing on Research Innovation & Development, Promotion and Market Development, Skilling and Export Promotion; SAMARTH – Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector with the objective providing demand driven, placement oriented, skilling program; ATUFS to incentivize technology upgradation and modernization through capital investment subsidy for eligible investment in benchmarked textile machinery; Silk Samagra-2 for comprehensive development of sericulture value chain.

Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) is implementing National Handicrafts Development Programme and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme on pan India basis. Under these schemes, support to artisans is provided through marketing support, skill development by means of Design programme, training programs, cluster development, direct benefit to artisans, infrastructure and technology support and assistance through Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana.

Further, Office of Development Commissioner (Handloom) is implementing National Handloom Development Programme and Raw Material Supply Scheme on pan India basis. Under these schemes, financial assistance is provided to eligible handloom agencies/weavers for raw materials, procurement of upgraded looms & accessories, solar lighting units, construction of workshed, skilling, product & design development, technical and common infrastructure, marketing of handloom products in domestic/overseas markets, concessional loans under weavers’ MUDRA scheme, scholarships and social security etc.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA

MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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DHANYA SANAL K

DIRECTOR

(Lok Sabha US Q4005)

(Release ID: 2115262) Visitor Counter : 57

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 4:28PM by PIB Delhi

In furtherance to the first-ever Commercial Coal Mine Auctions launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 18.06.2020, the Ministry of Coal is poised to launch the 12th round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions on March 27, 2025. This initiative marks another significant step toward enhancing domestic coal production, reducing imports, and ensuring long-term energy security for the nation. Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Union Minister of State, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, will be the Guest of Honour.

Under round 12, a total of 25 coal mines are being offered, comprising 7 mines under CMSP [Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015] and 18 mines under MMDR (Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957). Among these, 2 are lignite mines, catering to diverse energy requirements. Furthermore, 13 coalmines are Fully Explored, while 12 are Partially Explored, providing opportunities for both immediate and future development.

In addition, under the 2nd Attempt of Round 11, the Ministry of Coal is offering three partially explored coal mines under the MMDR Act, providing significant investment opportunities while reinforcing domestic coal production and energy security.

With a vision to foster a transparent, market-driven coal economy, the Government continues to create new opportunities for investors and industry players. The commercial coal mine auctions have been a game-changer, unlocking the vast potential of India’s coal reserves while promoting competition, efficiency, and sustainable mining practices.

The 12th Tranche of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions is expected to attract significant interest from domestic and international investors, reinforcing India’s commitment to self-reliance in energy and industrial growth. This milestone will further accelerate the development of a robust and resilient coal sector, supporting industries, power plants, and infrastructure projects across the country.

The Ministry of Coal remains steadfast in its mission to drive reforms, enhance ease of doing business, and create a thriving ecosystem for coal mining. As India marches towards a Viksit Bharat, these initiatives will play a pivotal role in strengthening the nation’s economic foundation.

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Shuhaib T

(Release ID: 2115289) Visitor Counter : 13

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 4:27PM by PIB Delhi

The draft Telecommunications (Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025 has been proposed in suppression of the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017.  “Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017” vide G.S.R. 1131(E) PART XI prescribes for Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) and is already in force w.e.f. 01.10.2018.

It ensures that the telecommunication equipment used/connected to telecommunication network conform to all the prescribed standards including EMI/EMC, Safety, Security Requirements, interoperability and other technical Requirement. The main objectives are given below:

1. any telecommunication Equipment does not degrade performance of existing network to which it is connected;
2. safety of the end–users;
3. security of the Telecommunication Networks;
4. protection of users and general public by ensuring that radio frequency emissions from equipment do not exceed prescribed standards;
5. telecommunication equipment complies with the relevant national and international regulatory standards and requirements.

A total of 211 telecommunication equipment have already been notified under MTCTE in six phases. Thus, the proposed rule shall continue to ensure the above objectives and strengthen the telecommunication network across India.

TEC is responsible for development of essential requirements(ER) for the various telecommunication equipment notified under these rules and issuance of certificate of conformity if the product comply to the essential requirements. Further, labs are being designated by TEC for carrying out the testing against the essential requirements(ER).

National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) is responsible for the development of security requirements for telecommunication equipment and ensuring compliance of the telecommunication equipment in respect of the prescribed security requirements.

At present, the certification process is already end-to-end online. However, the proposed portal will further facilitate digital implementation of these rules including specifying the standards and conformity assessment procedures for compliance, fees and charges, notices of non-conformity, and any orders or directions under these rules by the Appropriate Authority. The portal will act as single window for the stakeholders and thereby enhance the Ease of doing Business in the country.

The provisions have been made in the draft rules which provides for exemption for telecommunication equipment imported into India for the purpose of carrying out research and development or demonstration or testing of samples in India, subject to compliance with relevant rules and procedures for such research, demonstration or testing. These exemptions will be useful especially for start-ups, R&D centres, academia and industries located in any part of the country including Maharashtra for fostering innovations. The draft rules also provide exemption for the telecommunication equipment brought into India by a person for personal use in India and that is not otherwise prohibited to be imported or used under the Act or any other law for the time being in force.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2115287) Visitor Counter : 7

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 4:26PM by PIB Delhi

Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) is implementing National Handicrafts Development Programme and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme on pan India basis. Under these schemes, support to artisans is provided through marketing support, skill development by means of Design programme, training programs, cluster development, direct benefit to artisans, infrastructure and technology support and assistance through Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana.

Further, Office of Development Commissioner (Handloom) is implementing National Handloom Development Programme and Raw Material Supply Scheme on pan India basis. Under these schemes, financial assistance is provided to eligible handloom agencies/weavers for raw materials, procurement of upgraded looms & accessories, solar lighting units, construction of workshed, skilling, product & design development, technical and common infrastructure, marketing of handloom products in domestic/overseas markets, concessional loans under weavers’ MUDRA scheme, scholarships and social security etc.

Ministry of Textiles is implementing Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector (SAMARTH) on pan India basis. It provides demand driven, placement oriented National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) compliant skilling programme to supplement the efforts of the industry in creating jobs in the organized textile and related sectors, covering the textile value chain, excluding Spinning and Weaving in organized sector, through entry level and upskilling courses.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA

MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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DHANYA SANAL K

DIRECTOR

(Lok Sabha US Q4122)

(Release ID: 2115284) Visitor Counter : 12

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 4:26PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) framework aims to accelerate proliferation of internet services by setting up public Wi-Fi Hotspots in the country with the objective of building digital India and consequential benefits thereon.

sUnder the PM-WANI framework, Public Data Offices (PDOs) establish, operate and maintain WANI compliant Wi-Fi Hotspots based on their techno-commercial considerations and deliver internet services to subscribers. PDOs need to partner with a Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA) to deliver internet services.

The total number of PM-WANI Wi-Fi hotspots installed in the country, as on 20.03.2025, are 2,78,439.

PM-WANI compliant Wi-Fi hardware is easily available in the market. As per the information furnished by Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), PM-WANI compliant Wi-Fi hardware is also supplied by C-DOT through its transfer of technology (ToT) partners.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.  

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Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2115285) Visitor Counter : 9

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 4:26PM by PIB Delhi

The Department through its vast network of around 1.64 lakh post offices, with around 1.39 lakh in rural areas, complemented by the India Post Payment Bank, and around 2.4 lakh Gramin Dak Sevaks, is providing digitally enabled postal, financial and citizen-centric services.

Post offices ensure the timely and reliable delivery of documents and parcels, in every nook and corner in the country.

All Post Offices in the country are functioning with Core Banking Solution. The following facilities are available to the customers:

1. Internet Banking & Mobile Banking
2. National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT)/ Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) services for transfer of funds
3. Electronic Clearing Services (ECS) facility – for crediting the interest & maturity amount in bank accounts
4. e-Passbook facility to view the balance and mini-statement
5. India Post Payments Bank – Post Office Savings Accounts linkage service for all types of digital transactions
6. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and Citizen Centric Services like Aadhaar enrolment and updation

 

India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) provides digital and paperless banking, Aadhaar enabled Payments System (AePS), DBT facility and assisted digital services.

Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) scheme has been designed to provide affordable insurance coverage to people in rural areas.

The steps taken to connect widespread network of post offices with online business and expand its access to the market are as follows:

1. Department, with its extensive reach provides complete solutions from induction, transmission and delivery of consignments across the country. Various value-added services like insurance, track and trace, cash on delivery, Application Programming Interface (API) integration, Management Information System (MIS) dashboard, Book Now Pay Later facility (BNPL).

 

2. A dedicated national road transport network has been established to enhance connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 towns, serving as a critical infrastructure initiative that extends e-commerce benefits to urban and rural areas. These are further supplemented by state-level transport routes.

3. To strengthen last-mile delivery, nodal delivery centres (NDCs) have been set up for exclusive and expedited parcel distribution using mechanized modes of transport.

 

This information was given by the Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.  

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Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2115286) Visitor Counter : 7

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 4:25PM by PIB Delhi

A total of 10 Implementing Partners having office address in Maharashtra are empaneled under Samarth scheme in last three years i.e. 4 IPs in FY 2021-22 and 6 IPs in FY 2023-24.

The RFP was floated on 06.12.2024 for empanelment of new Implementing Partner. Under this RFP, 13 proposals have been received from applicants having office address in Maharashtra. These proposals are under consideration.

The details of beneficiaries trained (pass) and placed under Samarth scheme during the last three years, category-wise are provided below and district-wise details of Maharashtra are also given below.

The Textiles Committee which is the Resource Support Agency (RSA) under SAMARTH scheme conducts Training of Trainers (ToTs) and Training of Assessors (ToAs) on regular basis as these activities are demand driven to the textile industry.

There is no state wise allocation of target under Samarth scheme. However, Implementing Partner may open training centre across the country.

The details of beneficiaries trained (pass) and placed under Samarth scheme during the last three years, Category wise are as given below:

S. No.	District	Gen	OBC	SC	ST	Total
1	Beed	115	0	0	0	115
2	Kolhapur	293	69	54	1	417
3	Latur	186	3	50	1	240
4	Mumbai	207	296	188	0	691
5	Nagpur	852	182	1,012	172	2,218
6	Nanded	25	0	64	0	89
7	Nashik	26	0	0	0	26
8	Palghar	153	10	89	86	338
9	Pune	14	0	27	6	47
10	Raigad	132	0	53	24	209
11	Ratnagiri	70	0	0	0	70
12	Sangli	117	22	0	0	139
13	Satara	60	0	0	0	60
14	Thane	1,521	270	1,763	966	4,520
	Total	3,771	852	3,300	1,256	9,179

The details of beneficiaries trained (pass) and placed under Samarth scheme during the last three years, District wise in Maharashtra are as given below:

S. No.	District	Trained (pass)	Placed
1	Beed	115	96
2	Kolhapur	417	380
3	Latur	240	238
4	Mumbai	691	316
5	Nagpur	2,218	1,912
6	Nanded	89	89
7	Nashik	26	26
8	Palghar	338	308
9	Pune	47	43
10	Raigad	209	176
11	Ratnagiri	70	70
12	Sangli	139	139
13	Satara	60	60
14	Thane	4,520	3,920
	Total	9,179	7,773

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA

MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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DHANYA SANAL K

 (Lok Sabha US Q4083)

(Release ID: 2115281) Visitor Counter : 16