Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister for Commerce & Industry,Textiles, Consumer Affairs and Food & Public Distribution  reviewed the functioning of Ministry of Textiles, its autonomous bodies and PSU under its administrative control. Speaking on the occasion Shri Goyal said that there was an urgent need to link. Weavers and Artisans through E-Commerce platforms  and  leveraging of technology. He said that no stone is to be left unturned for the growth of Livelihoods in handlooms and  handicrafts sector. The meeting was also attended by Ms Darshana Jardosh, MoS Railway & Textiles, senior officials  of Ministry of Textiles.

Textiles being very diversified sector,  wide ranging issues and activities were discussed in the meeting .

There was special focus on livelihood sector of handlooms and handicrafts. Implementation of schemes in these sectors were discussed in details. Shri Goyal directed for simplification of process and for an effective online dashboard based monitoring system for transparency. He also advised all officials to maintain  good communication  with State Government functionaries to improve the  outcome and impact of the Central Government schemes. In this regard he asked the officers to organize a virtual conference with the State Government Secretaries responsible for this sector. The progress of Craft Villages was reviewed and the Minister directed for completion of all these projects in next 6 months.

Shri Goyal emphasized that the weavers and artisans should be assisted in marketing their produce through all platforms of e.g. Delhi Haat, Urban Haats and Handloom Haat. He also advised for leveraging technology by linking these weavers and artisans through e-commerce platforms available.

 The Minister also asked the officers to work with motto to increase the share of weavers/artisans in the consumer spending as done by dairy cooperative Amul for milk producers. The Minister advised the officials to properly implement SAMARTH the skill development initiatives of Ministry. He emphasized on the use technology for effective monitoring for better outcome. He also reviewed the work of Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Textiles. He directed for finalization of scheme guidelines for PM MITRA scheme quickly so that proposals can be invited from state governments.

Shri Goyal advised the officials to focus on sustainability in textiles sector. He said that there is a need for improvement in Effluent Treatment Infrastructure for the processing segment and at the same time there is need for promoting less water and water less printing technology.

Ms Darshana Jardosh MoS Textiles also guided the officers to work in field along with state government officials for better outcome.  Shri Goyal  asked the officials to quickly seize  the opportunity to increase the textiles exports which will not only bring foreign exchange but will also create huge employment opportunities for millions.

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DJN/TFK