New Delhi, Nov 20 : The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCAE) on Thursday gave its approval to the implementation of the Comprehensive Powerloom Cluster Development Scheme at Bhiwandi (Maharashtra) and Erode (Tamil Nadu) as a Central Sector Plan Scheme.

The scheme with a budget provision of Rs. 140 crore i. e. Rs. 70 crore for each cluster during the XI Five Year Plan in order to assist the entrepreneurs to set up world-class units with modern infrastructure, latest technology, and adequate training and Human Resource Development (HRD) inputs along with appropriate market linkages.

The approved clusters would provide requisite support, linkages in terms of infrastructure and technology upgradation, product diversification, design development, raw material banks, marketing and promotion, credit, social security and other components that are vital for sustainability of weavers engaged in the decentralized powerloom sector.

The clusters would also provide road connectivity, power supply, water supply, water reservoir with water harvesting facility, drainage and sewage line, streetlights, secured compound wall and wire fence, solid waste disposal plant, effluent treatment plant, transportation facility.

The implementation of the scheme will benefit the weavers in developing, diversifying new designs and products, their skill up-gradation, up-gradation of their looms, providing a suitable workplace, market support to improve their earnings and socio-economic conditions.

The scheme will be implemented through PPP model between Central, State Government, beneficiary weavers and their groups financially creditworthy and commercially linked marketing enterprises and the financial institutions for a period of four years beginning from 2008-09 up to 2011-12. (ANI)