Citizens Charter - Handlooms and Textiles Depat, Tamil Nadu

DEPARTMENT OF HANDLOOMS AND TEXTILES

CITIZENS' CHARTER- 2005

1. INTRODUCTION

The objective of the Department of Handlooms and Textiles, the Government of Tamilnadu is to improve the socio-economic conditions of the poor handloom weavers and to work for the harmonious growth of handloom, powerloom and textiles sector.

2. THE ACTIVITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT

The Commissioner of Handlooms and Textiles is the Head of the Department who is assisted by various officers at Headquarters level and Deputy / Assistant Director of Handlooms and Textiles at Circle level. The Commissionerate is formulating various schemes for the development of handloom industry and for the welfare of the handloom weavers. The Commissionerate is engaged in getting Central and State Governments assistance under various Plan and Non-Plan schemes and distribute the same to the circle level which in turn reach the weavers enrolled in various weavers co-operative societies. While the Commissioner of Handlooms and Textiles is managing the affairs at the Commissionerate level, the Deputy / Assistant Directors of Handlooms and Textiles at various circles are instrumental in executing the policies of the Government and ensuring the implementation of the scheme aimed at reaching the weavers in a most effective manner.

The Commissioner of Handlooms and Textiles is responsible for evolving policies and programmes in respect of handlooms, powerlooms and textiles. The Commissioner of Handlooms and Textiles is also responsible for planning and formulating schemes aimed at development of handloom and powerloom industries. Besides, the Commissioner of Handlooms and Textiles is entrusted with the overall responsibilities of implementing and controlling all schemes of the Government. The Commissioner of Handlooms and Textiles is the functional Registrar for the primary weavers co-operative societies throughout the State and other co-operative institutions connected with the industry, vested with the powers delegated by the Tamilnadu Co-operative Societies Act and Rules. The Commissioner of Handlooms and Textiles is the "State Textile Authority" in respect of the State of Tamilnadu and authority for the implementation of Textile (Development and Regulation) Order, 1993.

The Commissioner of Handlooms and Textiles has the administrative control over 1247 handloom weavers co-operative societies, 132 powerloom weavers co-operative societies, 18 Co-operative Spinning Mills and an Apex Institution viz. Tamilnadu Handloom Weavers Co-operative Society (Co-optex), Tamilnadu Co-operative Textile Processing Mills and Tamilnadu Co-operative Spinning Mills Federation (TANSPIN), apart from other related public sector undertakings such as Tamilnadu Zari Limited, Tamilnadu Handloom Development Corporation Limited and Tamilnadu Textile Corporation Limited in Tamilnadu.

3. OBJECTIVES OF THE DEPARTMENT

(A) TO ASSIST HANDLOOM WEAVERS

To bring more number of handloom weavers into co-operative fold by enrolling them into weavers co-operative societies for improving the standard of living of the weavers.
To provide continuous employment opportunity and fair wages to the co-operative weavers throughout the year.
To implement all handloom development schemes for co-operative societies.
To implement all welfare schemes intended for the co-operative weavers.
To provide raw materials and other infrastructure facilities to primary weavers co-operative societies.
To market the handloom cloth produced by the handloom weavers co-operative societies through Co-optex and various marketing complexes .
To extend working capital loans to weavers outside the co-operative fold through Tamilnadu Handloom Development Corporation Limited.
To control and monitor the purchase of silk, zari and cotton required by the weavers co-operative societies besides ensuring the quality.
To protect the overall interest of the handloom weavers.

(B) TO ASSIST POWERLOOM WEAVERS

To register motivated powerloom weavers into co-operative societies.
To initiate efforts towards technology upgradation for preparing the powerloom industry in the State to meet global competitive requirements.
To promote formation of powerloom Marketing Co-operatives to enable greater market share.
To establish shuttleless weaving parks at powerloom concentrated areas.
To redress the grievances of powerloom weavers through the powerloom Development Cell created in the Office of the Commissioner of Handlooms and Textiles, Chennai and also in Circle Offices.

(C) TO ASSIST THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY

In liason matters with the Tamilnadu Government and the Government of India that would benefit the Industry as a whole.
In assessing the needs of the spinning mills Sector periodically and in tackling problems facing the industry.
To improve infrastructure facilities at potential textile growth centres under Textile Centres Infrastructure Development Scheme (TCIDS) aiming at removing bottlenecks in exports as envisaged in the National Textile Policy 2000.

(D) TO ASSIST GARMENT AND HOISERY INDUSTRY

To set up Apparel Park in export potential areas and to provide infrastructure facilities for these parks.
To provide assistance for setting up of ancillary units to the apparel parks for promoting employment avenues.
To provide support to knitwear and hosiery industry to face the problems in the wake of World Trade Organisation Regime.

HANDLOOM DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES IMPLEMENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT

S. No.	Scheme	Activity
1	Rebate Subsidy Scheme	In order to promote the sale of Handloom cloth produced by the handloom weavers co-operative societies, 20% rebate subsidy is provided by the Government on the sale of Handloom cloth throughout the year.
2	Free Supply of Uniform Scheme	One set of uniform is provided to the school children in Standards I to VIII covered under Nutritious Meal Programme. The cloth required for the Free Supply of Uniform Scheme are being produced by the weavers co-operative societies. This scheme provides regular employment to about 12,000 weavers in the co-operative fold.
3	Free Distribution of Sarees and Dhoties Scheme	Under this scheme, one polycot saree / dhoty is provided to the poor people during Pongal festival. About 2.22 Crore poor people are being benefited under the scheme. The cloth required for this scheme are being produced in handloom and powerloom weavers co-operative societies in the State. By way of implementing this scheme, handloom and powerloom weavers in the weavers co-operative societies are getting continuous employment.
4	DeenDayal Hathkargha Protsahan Yojana Scheme	Subsidy is given by both Central and State Governments towards margin money assistance, supply of new looms and accessories, providing of infrastructure facilities, training, designs, publicity and marketing incentive or rebate.
5	Interest Subsidy Scheme	The Co-operative Central Bank and Tamilnadu State Apex Co-operative Bank provide cash credit facilities to the weavers co-operative societies at the Bank rate. The Government provides 3% interest subsidy to the primary weavers co-operative societies enabling them to avail concessional rate of interest.
6	Enforcement of Handloom (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act, 1985	To protect the interest of the handloom weavers, a separate enforcement wing with headquarters at Chennai and 5 field level offices at Madurai, Salem, Tiruchengode, Erode and Tiruppur have been established. Any complaint received regarding the violation of the Handloom (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act will be taken up and will be pursued against the persons violating the Act.

DETAILS OF WELFARE SCHEMES IMPLEMENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT

A. Co-operative Handloom Weavers Savings and Security Scheme

Contributing Agencies

Eligibility

Benefits

a) Weaver:

8 paise per rupee of wages earned.

b) State Govt:

4 paise per rupee of wages earned.

c) Cental Govt:

4 paise per rupee of wages earned.

i) Should be a member of weavers co-operative society for a minimum period of one year.

ii) Should have a minimum share capital of Rs.100/- in the Society.

iii) Should not default in the payment of Subscription to the Fund for a continuous period of exceeding 6 months.

At the time of retirement, weaver get accumulation of contribution along with 6.5% interest payable by Government.

B. Bunkar Bima Yojana Scheme

(Insurance Scheme for Handloom Weavers)

Contributing Agencies			Eligibility	Benefits
		Premium per Annum
a. b. c.	Government of India Life Insurance Corporation of India State Government (on behalf of the weavers) Total	Rs.150/- Rs.100/- Rs.130/- ------------ Rs.380/- -------------	The weaver should be earning atleast 50% of his income from handloom weaving Weavers between the age group of 18 and 59 years are eligible to become member in Bunkar Bima Yojana Scheme . The weaver should be a regular member of a weavers co-operative society (ie) atleast the weaver should obtain the raw materials and supplied finished goods to the society, in which enrolled as member for 180 days in a year, and be a member in the Savings and Security Scheme	In the event of death of weaver before attaining the age of 60 years, the legal heir gets insurance amount as follows:
				For natural death	Rs.50,000/-
				For accidental death	Rs.80,000/- along with Co-optex Contribution of Rs.15,000/-
				Permanent disability due to accident (For the loss of 2 eyes or 2 limbs (or) one eye and one limb)	Rs.50,000/-
				Disability due to accident for the loss of one eye (or) one limb	Rs.25,000/-

C. Weavers House-cum-Workshed Scheme

Contributing Agencies

Eligibility

Benefits

a) HUDCO Loan

b) State Government Subsidy

c) Central Government Subsidy

d) Beneficiary contribution

Total

Rural

Rs.40,000

7,000

18,000

3,000

-----------

68,000

Urban

Rs.

40,000

7,000

20,000

5,000

------------

72,000

Should be an active member in the weavers co-operative society

Better environment for working is provided to handloom weavers.

(Per House-Cum-Workshed)

D. Workshed Scheme

Contributing Agencies

Eligibility

Benefits

a) Central Government Subsidy

b)Beneficiary contribution

Total

Rural

Rs.

7,000

2,000
-----------
9,000

Urban

Rs.

10,000

4,000

-----------
14,000

Should be an active member in the weavers co-operative society.

Should own a house and vacant land in his / her name.

Better environment for working is provided to handloom weavers.

(Per Workshed)

E. Health Package Scheme

Contributing Agencies

Eligibility

Benefits

Central and State Governments

Should be an active member in the weavers co-operative society

1 Reimbursement of cost of medicines (Rs, 3000/- per year)

2 Reimbursement of cost of testing of eyes and spectacles (Rs.380/- for once in five years)

3 Maternity benefit for women (Rs.1000/- each for two children)

4 Compensation for sterilisation (Rs.200/- for male weavers aged below 50 years / Female weavers aged below 45 years)

5 Infrastructure for Primary Health Centre (Rs.1,00,000/- for 150 weavers household)

6 Digging up of bore-wells in weavers clusters (Rs.35,000/- for 50 weavers household)

F. Co-operative Handloom Weavers Family Pension Scheme

Contributing Agency	Eligibility	Benefits
State Government	i) Should be an active member for a period of 2 years in the weavers co-operative society. ii) Should not default in payment of subscription to the Savings and Security Scheme for a continuous period exceeding 6 months. iii) Should not have attained the age of 60 years .	In the event of death of the weaver member before attaining the age of 60 years, Rs.350/- per month will be given as family pension for ten years from the date of death of a weaver.

G. Co-operative Handloom Weavers Old Age Pension Scheme

Contributing Agency	Eligibility	Benefits
State Government	i) All primary functioning in the State shall be eligible to participate in the scheme. ii) Any active member of the society on attaining the age of 60 years. iii) Should have been an active member for a minimum period of 2 years on the date of his / her application for admission. iv) Should not be a defaulter in payment of subscription to the Savings and Security Scheme for a continuous period exceeding 6 months.	Rs.200/- per month is being paid after attaining the age of 60 years till his / her life time.

For availing the benefits under the above schemes, you may approach the President / Special Officer / Secretary / Administrator of the weavers co-operative society in the respective area (or) the Deputy / Assistant Director of Handlooms and Textiles in the respective Circle.

6. IMPORTANT ACTIVITIES PRESCRIBED IN THE TAMILNADU CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ACT, 1983

Sl. No.	Activity	Eligibility	Authority to be approached
1	To enroll a weaver as a member in weavers' co-operative society	Any person engaged in the weaving related activities of the society residing in the area of operation of the society.	President / Special Officers / Secretary / Administrator of the respective society.
2	To organise a new society	A minimum of 25 weavers are required for enrollment. A chief promoter should be selected amongst them and an application should be made to the concerned circle Deputy Director / Assistant Director in the proper form.	Deputy / Assistant Director of Handlooms and Textiles of the respective circle.
3	Disqualification of member	Member will be disqualified from membership, if he/she comes within the conditions contemplated in Section 23 of Tamilnadu Co-operative Societies Act, 1983.	Board of management of the respective society. (Appellate authority: Deputy / Assistant Director of Handlooms and Textiles concerned)
4	Expulsion of Member	Any member of a society who has acted adversely to the interest of the society may be expelled on a resolution of the General Body and the Resolution should be approved by the Circle Deputy / Assistant Director of Handlooms and Textiles. (Section 25 of Tamilnadu Co-operative Societies Act, 1983)	Board of Management of the society / Administrator/ Special Officer.
5	Right of members to avail services by registered society and application for redressal	Every member shall apply to the Registrar (Commissioner of Handlooms and Textiles) for the services entitled and for redressal. (Section 24 of Tamilnadu Co-operative Societies Act, 1983)	Board of Management of the society / Administrator / Special Officer.
6	Inspection of accounts by member	Any member or his authorised agent can inspect the accounts of the society so far as they relate to his / her transactions. (Section 27 of Tamilnadu Co-operative Societies Act, 1983)	Board of Management of the society / Administrator/ Special Officer.
7	Any other grievances	Any member of the weavers co-operative society.	Board of Management of the society / Administrator / Special Officer.

7. INSTITUTIONS UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE DEPARTMENT AND THEIR ACTIVITIES

Sl. No.	Name of the Institution	Activities
1	Tamilnadu Handloom Weavers Co-operative Society Limited (Co-optex), Chennai.	I)	To procure and supply raw-materials, mainly yarn to the primary weavers co-operative societies.
		ii)	To extend marketing support in selling the handloom goods produced by the primary weavers co-operative societies.
		iii)	To provide technical and financial help to upgrade the skill of the handloom weavers.
		iv)	To export the handloom varieties produced by the weavers co-operative societies through Co-optex International.
		v)	To develop latest designs and to sell them to primary weavers co-operative societies for production.
		vi)	To act as implementing agency for Weavers House-cum-Workshed Scheme.
2	Tamilnadu Handloom Development Corporation Limited, Chennai	i)	To extend loan assistance to handloom / powerloom weavers outside the co-operative fold.
3	Tamilnadu Textile Corporation Limited, Coimbatore	i)	To take over and revive the closed sick mills.
		ii)	To set up and run powerloom complex in rural areas.
		iii)	To market powerloom cloth produced by powerloom weavers co-operative societies.
		iv)	To render technical services to all co-operative spinning mills.
		v)	To execute orders of the school uniform cloths under Noon Meal Programme.

Sl. No.	Name of the Institution	Activities
4	Tamilnadu Co-operative Textile Processing Mills Limited, Erode	i)	To process bleaching / dyeing / mercerising / Printing and finishing of cotton and synthetic fabrics / synthetic yarn.
		ii)	To process the cloth required for Free Supply of Uniform Scheme.
		iii)	To process the cloth of the various Government departments.
5	Tamilnadu Zari Limited, Kancheepuram	i)	To produce zari required for the production of silk sarees and dhoties produced by the silk weavers co-operative societies.
		ii)	To undertake testing of zari purchased by the silk weavers co-operative societies through Centralised Purchase Committee for zari from the private suppliers.
6	Tamilnadu Co-operative Spinning Mills Federation Limited (TANSPIN), Chennai	i)	To arrange for the purchase and supply of cotton and other man-made fibre required by the co-operative spinning mills.
		ii)	To test and give results of the quality of cotton.
7	18 Co-operative Spinning Mills	i)	To produce quality yarn.
		ii)	To ensure supply of quality yarn at reasonable price to handloom weavers co-operative societies without any interruption.

8. ATTENTION OF HANDLOOM WEAVERS

The future of handloom weavers will be bright in the backdrop of World Trade Organisation.
No restrictions in textile trade from 01.01.2005.
No Trade barrier among countries. Therefore, there will be stiff competition among handloom, powerloom and mill sectors in India.
To compete with the global textile market we should upgrade our standard in terms of quality to sell our handloom products.
To improve the economic conditions of the handloom weavers the best course available is to export handloom fabrics.
New designs and new products should be woven in handlooms to meet the international standard.
There is scope in getting higher wages in export.
Quality control should be achieved both in weaving and dyeing to attain the international standard.
The products should be produced in handlooms to meet the requirements of the global market.
To comply with the time schedule of the exporters the fabrics should be produced in time.
Adequate training should be imparted to improve the quality in weaving to the international standard. The department of handlooms and textiles will arrange for giving training.
The handloom weavers should extend full cooperation for the steps taken by the Government to improve the standard of living of the handloom weavers.

9. TO HELP YOU

To redress the grievances of handloom weavers then and there the petitions are received by the Circle offices i.e., Deputy / Assistant Directors including the Commissionerate of Handlooms and Textiles.

MINISTER FOR HANDLOOMS AND TEXTILES

[Government]</