Union Minister of Textiles Dayanidhi Maran has said the Centre is likely to waive Cooperative Weavers’ loans to the tune of Rupees 2,000 crore, on the lines of Rs 60,000 crore relief package for the debt-trapped farmers, including complete waiver of loans given to small and marginal farmers, implemented during 2008.
Delivering presidential address during the laying of foundation stone for Virudhunagar Mega Handloom Cluster at Aruppukottai, he said, ”The good news is expected soon.” Mr Maran said he had discussed with Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in this regard and the announcement on waiver of loans to the extent of Rs 2,000 crore would come soon.
The mega handloom cluster, coming up in Virudhunagar district with a Rs 70 crore funding from the Centre, was announced in 2009 Union Budget. It would provide direct and indirect employment to about 30,000 people in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu.
It would also improve productivity and sales and fetch more returns to the weavers of the region.
The productivity was expected to increase from 96 metres a month to 158 metres and the number of job days would also substantially be increased to 230 days a year, he claimed, adding the export from Virudhunagar would go up by Rs 40 crore from the present Rs two crore.
Mr Maran assured to revive Cooperative Spinning Mill at Srivilliputhur, on the demand from State Backward Classes Minister K K S S R Ramachandran.–UNI