Union Minister of State for Textiles, Ajay Tamta on March 16, 2017 announced to the LS that the ministry has approved the Solar Energy Scheme for Small Powerloom Units.
The scheme will come into force on April 1, 2017. Scheme seeks to provide financial assistance in the form of capital subsidy to small powerloom units for installation of SPV/Solar Photo Voltaic plants.
These plants will overcome the problem of power cuts and shortages faced by decentralized powerloom units in the nation.
Under the scheme, the plants will have 2 options:- On-Grid Solar Power Plant
- Off-Grid Solar Power Plant
On-Grid solar power plants in areas where the power cuts and shortages are negligible, involves high power tarrifs.
Off-Grid Solar Power plants are involved in areas where there is power shortage and on-grid power is not constantly available.
Some of the initiatives to promote the powerloom sector across the country seek to assist entrepreneurs in establishment of world class units with latest technology, modern infrastructure and suitable market linkages.
The scheme was launched in two clusters - Bhiwandi (Maharashtra) and Erode (TN).
In 2013-2014, the Modified Comprehensive Powerloom Cluster Development Scheme was launched to extend the original scheme to other parts of the nation.
Guidelines of the scheme were issued in Oct 2013 by the Union Government with the objective of empowering the power loom industry and building capacity to meet challenges of international competition in a self reliant, sustainable way.
The 5 components include market development programme, establishing common facility centres and organizing awareness programs, seminars and workshops.
An SPV is set up to oversee the scheme implementation.
