Question

What are the remedial steps taken by the Government to address these problems?

Answer 1

Several measures were taken under the five year plans, by the government to improve handloom industry:

1. All India Handloom Board was established for looking after the interests of handloom industry.
2. Khadi and Village Industry Commission looks after propagation of Khadi and various products of village industries.
3. Handloom Board and Handicrafts Boards have also been established in various states. They take steps to solve the problems of the small scale and cottage industries.
4. Credit facilities are made available from banks and financial institutions.
5. Indian Standard Institute has devised methods to fix up and maintain standard quality.
6. The government has reserved certain products for handloom sector, so that competition from mill-made products may be avoided.
7. The government helps the handloom and Khadi industry by extending subsidies out of the revenue earned by a special cess on mill-made cloth.
8. There are technical institutions, which render technical advice and guidance to handloom and other cottage industries.