Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 4:21PM by PIB Delhi

As per 4^th All India Handloom Census 2019-20 report, there are 12,83,881 handloom workers in Assam. The handloom workers enumerated in the 4^th All India Handloom Census have been provided either pehchan card or enabled downloading e-pehchan card. An online portal was launched on 28^th January 2025, for new registration (left out from the 4^th All India Handloom Census and new weavers and allied workers), editing the details of the existing weavers and downloading of e-pehchan cards. Hence, addition/deletion, updation etc. is dynamic and continuous.

Sivasagar Mega Handloom Cluster had been taken up for financial assistance in the State of Assam under erstwhile Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) and amount of Rs. 15.63 crore has been released from 2014-15 to 2021-22. However, Sualkuchi is not covered under CHCDS. Mega Handloom Cluster at Sualkuchi, Assam has been taken up during FY  2024-25(till 21.03.2025) under National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) and financial assistance of Rs. 4.80 crore has been provided.

Further, financial support of Rs. 64.85 crore has been provided for 83 clusters under NHDP scheme in Assam State from FY 2015-16 to 2024-25(till 21.03.2025).

Number of migrant handloom weavers is not maintained. The nation-wide portability of ration cards through One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) feature has been enabled for all National Food Security Act 2013 (NFSA)/Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) beneficiaries in all 36 States/UTs (including Assam). Under this feature, NFSA/PMGKAY beneficiaries may lift their entitled foodgrain from any Fair Price Shop (FPS) of their choice, anywhere in the country, by using their existing ration card. There is no requirement of separate registration for ONORC under NFSA/PMGKAY. 

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 Q4055)

(Release ID: 2115270) Visitor Counter : 43

Source: Government of India

Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib Yatra 2025: Aadhaar-Based eKYC introduced for faster and secure registration

Over 7.5 lakh pilgrims register for Char Dham Hemkund Sahib Yatra 2025 using Aadhaar authentication

Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) rolls out Aadhaar-Based registration for Char Dham Yatra, ensuring better crowd management

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 4:22PM by PIB Delhi

In a bid to streamline the registration process, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) has introduced Aadhar Authentication and eKYC to register for the Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib Yatra, one of the most significant pilgrimages in India.

It is aimed at reducing registration time and enhancing the overall experience for pilgrims. With Aadhaar-based online registration, authorities can monitor pilgrim movements, prepare better to avoid overcrowding at temples, and improve weather related information flow especially in high-altitude regions.

Balancing tradition with technology

The registration for the CharDham and Hemkund Sahib Yatra 2025 started on March 20, and over 750,000 pilgrims have already availed Aadhaar based online registration facility as of this morning.

UIDAI has been hand holding innovative initiatives of states to improve ease of living for people. The registration portal (https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in) and the “Tourist Care Uttarakhand” mobile app are using this facility.

The move is expected to help curb duplicity of registration allowing more pilgrims the opportunity of carrying out the Yatra. Aadhaar-based digital verification is expected to make the registration process faster, and reduce paperwork. The offline registration at designated centers continues to be in practice too.

Aadhaar-linked registration can also help in better planning and management of accommodations, transport, food, and medical aid based on the actual number of registered pilgrims, leading to curbing wastage and shortages of resources. It can also be helpful in addressing emergency situation better as it can further improve coordination between pilgrims and authorities.

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Dharmendra Tewari/ Navin Sreejith

(Release ID: 2115275) Visitor Counter : 47

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 4:23PM by PIB Delhi

The details of Indian Textiles & Apparel including handicrafts export during the last ten years including the current year are as follows:

Value in USD Million

Commodity	FY 2014-2015	FY 2015-2016	FY 2016-2017	FY 2017-2018	FY 2018-2019	FY 2019-2020	FY 2020-2021	FY 2021-2022	FY 2022-2023	FY 2023-2024	APR-DEC 2024
Total T&A including Handicrafts	38,183	37,340	37,398	37,546	38,397	35,177	31,585	44,435	36,686	35,874	27,430

Source: DGCIS provisional data

The Indian textiles industry is one of the largest in the world with a large raw material base and manufacturing strength across the value chain from fibre to fabric to garments. India has the advantage of having a strong raw material base of natural fibre including cotton, silk, wool, jute as well as manmade fibre. India is into export of entire value chain of textiles to various countries.  India is facing tariff disadvantage in some of the markets such as EU, UK etc. as compared to neighbouring competing nations like Bangladesh. Bangladesh is one of the top apparel exporter countries. For their manufacturing need, Bangladesh imports a large portion of Yarn, Fabric & Fibre from the world including India. In this manner, the two countries are different.

The Government is implementing various schemes/initiatives to promote Indian textiles. The major schemes/initiatives include PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks Scheme to create a modern, integrated, world class textile infrastructure; Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme focusing on MMF Fabric, MMF 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; SAMARTH – Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector with the objective providing demand driven, placement oriented, skilling program; Silk Samagra-2 for comprehensive development of sericulture value chain; National Handloom Development Program for end to end support for handloom sector. Ministry of Textiles is also implementing National Handicrafts Development Programme and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme for promotion of handicrafts. Government has been engaging constantly with the stakeholders across the textile value chain to resolve various issues.

With a view to increasing investments, generating employment opportunities and boosting exports in the textile sector, the Ministry is implementing Scheme for Integrated Textile Park (SITP) to provide support for setting up textile parks with world-class, state-of-the-art infrastructure in textile hubs across the country. The scheme was in implementation upto 31.03.2021; however, the Scheme has now been subsumed under the umbrella Scheme of Textile Cluster Development Scheme (TCDS) for completing ongoing projects only. Under SITP, 4 projects have been sanctioned in Andhra Pradesh namely Brandix India Apparel City Pvt Ltd, Vishakhapattanam, Hindupur Vyapar Apparel Park Ltd Ananthpuram, Tarkeshwara Textile Park, Nellore and Guntur Textile Park, Guntur. 

In addition, the Government has approved setting up of 7 (Seven) PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks in Greenfield/Brownfield sites with world class infrastructure including plug and play facility.   

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 Q3969)

(Release ID: 2115279) Visitor Counter : 15

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 4:24PM by PIB Delhi

Under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), total 168 Research & Development projects of Rs. 509.8 crore have been approved till date. Project Completion Reports of    06 R&D projects have been received, out of which 02 projects have been closed.

The research areas under NTTM includes fundamental research in thrust areas of speciality fibre like Carbon Fibre, Aramid Fibre, Nylon Fibre, and Composites & application based research in geotextiles, agro-textiles, medical textiles, mobile textiles and sports textiles and development of biodegradable technical textiles. 

The specific research projects in speciality fibers includes the development of carbon fiber, meta-aramid fibers, high-performance gel-spun Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), flame-retardant Nylon-66 yarn, and bio-component fibers. Further, Mission is focusing on applications of geotechnical textiles for high-speed railway networks, roads, sub-zero temperature infrastructure, erosion control in North East Region (NER) & soft soils areas and structural geotextiles made from textile waste, etc.

With the outcome of these research projects, the mission aims to improve penetration level of technical textiles in the country and to create an ecosystem for manufacturing of technical textiles through indigenous development of critical application areas and innovative solutions.

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 Q4061)

(Release ID: 2115280) Visitor Counter : 24

Source: Government of India

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

Ministry of Textiles through Office of Development Commissioner (Handlooms) promotes Handloom products of the country including Bargarh by implementing following scheme:

1. National Handloom Development Programme;
2. Raw Material Supply Scheme;

• Under the above 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 & international markets, concessional loans under weavers’ MUDRA scheme and social security etc.

· Assistance in establishing international marketing linkages to suitable Apex/Primary handloom cooperative societies, corporations, producers’ companies, handloom awardees, exporters, other talented weavers etc. who are producing exclusive exportable handloom products.

· Market penetration through organisation/participation in international fairs/exhibitions, big ticket events, Buyer Sellers Meet, Reverse Buyer Sellers Meet etc., for export promotion of handloom products. Publicity and brand development through India Handloom Brand (IHB), Handloom Mark (HLM) and other measures.

· Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS) is being implemented throughout the country including Bargarh to make available yarn to handloom weavers. Under the scheme, fright charges are reimbursed for all types of yarn; and component of 15% price subsidy is there for cotton hank yarn, domestic silk, wool and linen yarn and blended yarn of natural fibres.

• Sambalpuri Bandha Saree & Fabrics is also registered under the Geographical Indication (GI) of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act 1999.

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 Q4081)

(Release ID: 2115283) Visitor Counter : 15

Source: Government of India

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

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 so that Indian exhibitors get benefits of global exposure.

The major eligible items of expenditure for organising / participating in Fairs, Exhibitions and Buyer Seller Meets Abroad under MAI Scheme are as under:

1. Venue Cost, including Participation charges/ fee and organising expenses;
2. Publicity Cost incurred on promotion/ marketing/publicity, including digital marketing for buyer participation;
3. Cost of catalogue/printed and digital material, including cost of e-catalogue/ e-brochure/ web-banners/ online advertisement and other materials including its design and development/ creation;
4. Translation and Interpreters charges;
5. Expenditure towards freight charges of exhibits;
6. Reimbursement of air-fare to exporting companies with an f.o.b. value of exports below Rs.50 crore in the preceding financial year.
7. Any other specific component approved by the Empowered Committee.

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 Q4134)

(Release ID: 2115282) Visitor Counter : 16

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

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 4:26PM 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