In a bid to set up wool banks, distribution of products prepared by Chhipi and other regional communities, proper mechanisation of dyeing units and promotion of silk and tusser in hilly regions; Chief Minister Harish Rawat has asked the Union Government to provide financial assistance to the State.
In this regard he held a meeting with Minister of State for Textiles Santosh Gangawar in Delhi on Wednesday in which he appealed for improvisation in textile area.
Giving his inputs, the CM said that both Hindus and Muslims are engaged in weaving profession in Uttarakhand. Despite their expertise in the field, they are facing hardships in continuing their traditional profession due to lack of proper finance. The Central Government must provide them with financial assistance.
He further stated that the tribes engaged in the woolen weaving profession in the tribal areas of the State are on the verge extinction due to lack of proper marketing of their produce. They need to be thus provided with financial assistance for establishing looms. A wool bank is also required to be established and for the purpose subsidy from the Government of India is necessary.
Financial assistance is required for proper mechanisation of dyeing units as they forced to do the work manually. For promotion of silk and Tusser in the hilly region, a substantial support is solicited from the Government of India in view of increasing activities in the region as well as promoting preservation of oak trees. This also includes other forest related activities.
There is a project for a big textile park in Jaspur and a mini textile park in Munsyari. Woolen clothes will be manufactured in the mini textile park at Munsyari. This will be linked with tourism to generate employment opportunities for locals.
The Union Minister welcomed the suggestion made by the Chief Minister and assured all possible support for development in textile area. Resident Commissioner SD Sharma was also present on the occasion.