22-Jul-2021: Schemes for The Welfare of the Minorities

The Government is implementing various schemes for the welfare and upliftment of every section of the society including minorities especially economically weaker & downtrodden sections all over the country with schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM KISAN), Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Yojana, etc.

Ministry of Minority Affairs also implements programmes/schemes for socio-economic and educational empowerment of the six (06) centrally notified minority communities namely Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis and Jains. These schemes/programmes implemented by the Ministry during last two years in brief are as under:-

  1. Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme, Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme, Merit-cum-Means based Scholarship Scheme - For educational empowerment of students through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
  2. Maulana Azad National Fellowship Scheme - Provide fellowships in the form of financial assistance.
  3. Naya Savera - Free Coaching and Allied Scheme - The Scheme aims to provide free coaching to students/candidates belonging to minority communities for qualifying in entrance examinations of technical/ medical professional courses and various Competitive examinations.
  4. Padho Pardesh - Scheme of interest subsidy to students of minority communities on educational loans for overseas higher studies.
  5. Nai Udaan - Support for students clearing Prelims conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), State Public Service Commission (PSC) Staff Selection Commission (SSC) etc.
  6. Nai Roshni - Leadership development of women belonging to minority communities.
  7. Seekho Aur Kamao - Skill development scheme for youth of 14 - 35 years age group and aiming at providing employment and employment opportunities, improving the employability of existing workers, school dropouts etc.
  8. Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) – Being  Implemented to provide basic infrastructure such as Schools, Colleges, ITIs, Polytechnics, Hostels, Sadbhav Mandap, Skill Development Centres, Drinking water and Sanitation facilities, Primary Health Centres etc. in deprived areas of the Country.
  9. Jiyo Parsi - Scheme for containing population decline of Parsis in India.
  10. USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development). Hunar Haat are being organised across the Country to provide employment opportunities and markets to artisans/craftsmen..
  11. Nai Manzil - A scheme for formal school education & skilling of school dropouts.
  12. Hamari Dharohar- A scheme to preserve rich heritage of minority communities of India under the overall concept of Indian culture.
  13. Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF) implements education and skill related schemes as follows:- (a) Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship for Meritorious Girls belonging to the economically weaker sections of Minorities (b) Gharib Nawaz Self Employment Scheme started in 2017-18 for providing short term job oriented skill development training  to youth (c) Bridge Course for madrasa students & school dropouts.
  14. Equity to National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) for providing concessional loans to minorities for self-employment and income generating ventures.

In addition to the above, the Ministry also implements schemes for strengthening State Waqf Boards.

The details of the schemes (S. No.1 to 12)  mentioned above  and status of their implementation are available on the website of this Ministry  (www.minorityaffairs.gov.in) and those at serial No.(13) and (14) are available on the website of MAEF (www.maef.nic.in) and NMDFC (www.nmdfc.org) respectively.

During the last 7 years, achievements made under the major Schemes of the Ministry are given as under:

  1. More than 4.52 crore beneficiaries have been provided different scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) out of which more than 53% beneficiaries are female.
  2. 69,544 candidates have been benefitted under the Naya Savera scheme and 3.92 lakh beneficiaries have been trained/allocated under the Seekho aur Kamao scheme.
  3. Under USTTAD Scheme, Ministry has organised 28 “Hunar Haats” in which more than 5.5 lakhs artisans and people associated with them have been provided employment and employment opportunities, out of which more than 50% beneficiaries are women.
  4. Under the “Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram” (PMJVK) more than 43 thousand basic infrastructure projects have been created such as schools, colleges, hostels, community centres, common service centres, ITIs, Polytechnics, Girls Hostels, Sadbhavana Mandap, Hunar Hub etc. in backward Minority concentrated areas across the country.

No state-wise allocation of funds is made in the Budget of this Ministry. Scheme-wise details of the  funds released/utilised  to meet the scheme objectives  and number of beneficiaries under various schemes during the last two years and current year i.e. 2019-20 to 2021-22 (till 30.06.2021)  is  at Annexure.

In order to ensure that the benefits of the schemes implemented for minorities actually reach the intended beneficiaries, the scholarship amount/financial assistance under various schemes of the Ministry is released directly into the account of beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode. PIAs who implement the welfare schemes of this Ministry are also required to pay the stipend amount directly into the account of the beneficiaries through PFMS.

31-Dec-2020: Year Ender 2020 - Ministry of Minority Affairs

Hunar Haat

Turning the crisis of Corona challenges into an opportunity, the Ministry of Minority Affairs brought “Hunar Haat”, a credible brand to provide market and opportunities to artisans and craftsmen, on online platform in the year 2020. Products of artisans are available on http://hunarhaat.org. People are able to buy “Hunar Haat” products digital and online also. Online platform was launched during “Hunar Haat, organised at Pitampura, Delhi from 11th to 20th November 2020.

The Ministry, in the year 2020, decided to organise all “Hunar Haat” on the theme of “AatmaNirbhar Bharat” and “Vocal for Local” which has given encouraging results. 

“Hunar Haat” has restarted from Pitampura, Delhi, after a gap of about 9 months due to the Corona pandemic. This was the 22nd“HunarHaat”. The 23rd“HunarHaat” was organised at Numaish Ground, Rampur (UP) from 18th to 27th December 2020 which was immensely beneficial and encouraging for artisans and craftsmen as about 16 lakh people from Rampur and nearby districts visited the “Hunar Haat” and purchased indigenous handmade products of artisans on large scale.

Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that, “Magnificent indigenous products of master artisans are “Local Pride” and “Global Praise” of “Hunar Haat”.  Every corner of the country is endowed with diversity of indigenous products made with wood, brass, bamboo, glass, cloth, paper, clay etc. “Hunar Haat” is an enormous platform providing market and opportunities to artisans and craftsmen who prepare these indigenous exquisite handmade products.”

“Hunar Haat” achieved newer heights of success in the year 2020.  The 20th “Hunar Haat”, organised at India Gate Lawns, Rajpath, New Delhi from 13 to 23 February 2020, was historic as the Vice President of India Shri Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla visited “Hunar Haat” and encouraged artisans and craftsmen.  The Vice President of India visited “Hunar Haat” at India Gate Lawns on 20th February; Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 19th February and Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla on 18th February and encouraged artisans and craftsmen.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s sudden visit to “Hunar Haat” on 19th February strengthened the confidence on “Swadeshi” among the people. During “Mann Ki Baat” on 23rd February, 2020; Prime Minister appreciated “Hunar Haat” and artisans, craftsmen and their exquisite indigenous handmade products. By mentioning about “Hunar Haat” in “Mann Ki Baat”, the Prime Minister encouraged the magnificent legacy of our indigenous arts/crafts. His visit gave a tremendous boost and world-wide recognition to talent of Indian artisans and craftsmen. Shri Modi also enjoyed “Kulhad Ki Chai” and Bihar’s delicious “Litti-Chokha” by sitting on a “Khat” like as a common man. During his about one-hour long gracious presence at “Hunar Haat”, the Prime Minister visited several stalls and interacted with artisans and also took information about their indigenous products.

The visit of the Prime Minister gave a tremendous publicity to “Hunar Haat” as the number of visitors increased by more than 60 per cent after Shri Modi’s visit. Several Lac visitors, both domestic and international, visited “Hunar Haat” at India Gate Lawns, Rajpath, in these last 11 days.

The “Hunar Haat” at India Gate Lawns was inaugurated by Union Minister for Railways, Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal; Union Minister for Urban Development (Independent Charge) Shri Hardeep Singh Puri and President ICCR Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe on 13th February, 2020. This “Hunar Haat”, organised on the theme of “KaushalKoKaam” witnessed gracious presence of several Union Ministers, Parliamentarians, senior government officials, senior Diplomats from various countries and other dignitaries from India and abroad. These dignitaries encouraged and lauded artisans and craftsmen and their indigenous handmade products. They also purchased their indigenous products.

A total of 7 “Hunar Haat” were organised in the year 2020 at Lucknow, Hyderabad, Indore, India Gate-New Delhi, Ranchi, Pitampura-Delhi and Rampur. The next “Hunar Haat” will be organised at Shilp Gram, Lucknow (UP) from 23rd to 31st January 2021. In the coming days, “Hunar Haat” will be organized at Jaipur, Chandigarh, Indore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, India Gate-New Delhi, Ranchi, Kota, Surat/Ahmedabad, Kochi and other places.

India became first country to make the entire Haj process 100 % digital

Due to the Corona pandemic, Haj 2020 could not take place. The entire Haj travel process for 2021 has been done with significant changes in view of the pandemic. These include accommodation, period of stay of pilgrims, transportation, health and other facilities both in India and Saudi Arabia. Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, in a meeting of Haj Committee of India at Mumbai on 10th December 2020, announced extension of the last date for submission of application forms for Haj 2021 up to 10th January 2021. Earlier, 10th December 2020 was the last date for submission of application forms for Haj 2021. Embarkation Points-wise estimated cost per pilgrim for Haj 2021 has also been reduced.

About 50,000 applications have been received yet for Haj 2021, this include more than 680 applications under women without “Mehram” (male companion) category. More than 2100 women had applied for Haj 2020 under without “Mehram” category. These women will go to Haj 2021 as the application filled by them for Haj 2020 is valid for Haj 2021 also. Besides new forms have also been accepted from the women, who wants to perform Haj 2021 without “Mehram”. All the women under without Mehram” category will be exempted from the lottery system.

Keeping in view the Pandemic position and feedback received from Air India and other agencies, Embarkation Points for Haj 2021 have been reduced to 10. Earlier, there were 21 Haj Embarkation Points across the country. For Haj 2021, the 10 Embarkation Points are- Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Cochin, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai and Srinagar. Haj 2021 is scheduled for June-July 2021.

In the year 2020, India became the first country in the world which has made the entire Haj process 100 per cent digital. Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that, “100 per cent digital/online Haj process has fulfilled the dream of “Ease of Doing Haj” for the Indian Muslims.

Making the entire Haj process digital/online has removed middlemen ensuring Haj pilgrimage become affordable in comparison to last several decades. Even after removal of Haj subsidy, no additional financial burden has been put on the pilgrims.”

First “Muslim Women Rights Day” observed

The year 2020 proved to be a milestone regarding rights of Muslim women as the first “Muslim Women Rights Day” was observed to celebrate completion of one year of the Law against “Triple Talaq”. Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi along with Union Law Minister Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad and Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smt. Smriti Irani addressed thousands of Muslim women from across the country through virtual conference on 31st July 2020 to celebrate 1st August as “Muslim Women Rights Day”.

Shri Naqvi said that the Government has ensured gender equality and strengthened constitutional, fundamental and democratic rights of the Muslim women by bringing law against the cruel social evil of “Triple Talaq”. After the implementation of the law against “Triple Talaq”, there is a significant decline in “Triple Talaq” cases. If any such case was reported, the law has taken action.

22 youths selected in Civil Services with assistance of “Nai Udaan” scheme

The Government’s resolute and effective efforts for “promotion and progress” of needy meritorious youths have resulted in selection of 22 youths from poor, weaker, deprived sections of Minority communities in the prestigious Civil Services 2019 results of which were decaled in the year 2020, with the assistance of free coaching under “Nai Udaan” scheme, being run by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.

On 18th August, 2020, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi; Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region &MoS in Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Jitendra Singh and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports and MoS, Minority Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju felicitated these youth for their achievement.

“Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram” (PMJVK)

Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi On October 06, 2020 said that Union Ministry of Education is constructing 99 Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas in backward, weaker and Minority concentrated areas across the country for the first time in the history, and several of these Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas are being constructed jointly by Union Ministry of Education and Union Ministry of Minority Affairs. Shri Naqvi along with Union Minister for Education Shri Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal “Nishank” laid foundation stone for a new Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya at Pakur in Jharkhand through video conferencing. This school is being constructed by the Ministry of Minority Affairs under the “Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram” (PMJVK).

Shri Naqvi said that the Union Ministry of Education and the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs are also jointly constructing 4 Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas at Uttar Dinajpur and Howrah in West Bengal; West Kamang in Arunachal Pradesh; Mamit in Manipur. The Ministry of Minority Affairs is extending a financial assistance of Rs 244crore for construction of these Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas. Besides, the Ministry of Minority Affairs will also construct Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas at other places jointly with the Ministry of Education.

Shri Naqvi said that the Ministry of Minority Affairs has also provided Rs 36 crore for 1173 smart class rooms in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas in backward and Minority concentrated areas of the country.

Process to establish Waqf Boards in Jammu-Kashmir and Leh-Kargil announced.

On 04th December, 2020,Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi announced that Waqf Boards will be established soon in Jammu-Kashmir and Leh-Kargil and the process of establishing the Waqf Boards has been started. Waqf Boards will be established in Jammu-Kashmir and Leh-Kargil for the first time since the Independence and it has become possible only after abolition of Article 370.

Shri Naqvi said , “Waqf Boards will ensure proper utilisation of Waqf properties in Jammu-Kashmir and Leh-Kargil for welfare of the society. The Central Government will provide adequate financial assistance to construct infrastructure for socio-economic and educational activities on Waqf properties in Jammu-Kashmir and Leh-Kargil under “Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karykram” (PMJVK).”

There are about 6 lakh 64,000 registered waqf properties across the country.  Digitisation of all the state Waqf boards has been completed. Geo Tagging/GPS Mapping of Waqf properties is being done on war footing. All the state Waqf boards have been provided video conferencing facilities in the year 2020.

COVID-19 CARE

Union Minister of Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on August 17, 2020 said that pandemic peril has proved to be a positive period of “Care, Commitment and Confidence” for Indians, which has set an example for the entire humanity across the world. He flagged off a mobile clinic, equipped with latest health care facilities, given by the Ministry of Minority Affairs’ NMDFC, to Holy Family Hospital, New Delhi. It is to provide latest health facilities to poor, weaker sections.  It is equipped with Emergency Multi Para Monitor, Oxygen facility and Auto Loading Stretcher, which are essential and lifesaving facilities for any emergency patient.

Shri Naqvi said that NMDFC has also extended support to Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre (PRC) Mohali of the Ministry of Defence by providing modified scooters, physiotherapy equipment and other requisite tools & equipment for treatment of soldiers suffering from disabilities during war. These equipment are helping the soldiers live a normal life.

More than 1500 Health Care Assistants, who have been trained under skill development programme of Minority Affairs Ministry, are assisting in treatment and well-being of Corona patients. He said that these Health Care Assistants include 50 per cent girls who are helping in treatment of Corona patients in various hospitals and health care centres across the country. This year, more than 2000 other Health Care Assistants were trained by the Minority Affairs Ministry. The Ministry is providing one-year training to Health Care Assistants through various health organisations and reputed hospitals of the country.

Shri Naqvi said that different waqf boards across the country have contributed Rs 51 crore in PM and CM relief funds for Corona pandemic with the support of various religious, social and educational organisations. Besides, these waqf boards are also distributing food and other essential commodities among the needy.

Shri Naqvi said that 16 Haj Houses across the country have been given to state governments for quarantine and isolation facilities for Corona affected people. Various state governments are utilising the facilities at these Haj Houses according to their needs.

Shri Naqvi informed that Aligarh Muslim University has contributed Rs 1.40crore in “PM-CARES” fund. AMU Medical College has also arranged 100 beds for treatment of Corona patients. AMU has also arranged Corona tests, more than 9000tests have been done till now.

Shri Naqvi further said that quarantine and isolation facilities were arranged at Khwaja Model School and Kayad Vishramsthali at Ajmer Sharif Dargah for Corona affected people. More than 4500 Jayarin belonging to all religions from across the country were provided food, accommodation and health facilities during lockdown. These facilities were arranged by Dargah Committee, Dargah Khadims and Sajjada-nashin. The Dargah Committee and its other associated organisations provided facilities worth about Rs 1 crore which also included arrangements to send the people back to their states.

Shri Naqvi said that face masks have been prepared on large scale under Seekho Aur Kamao skill development programme of the Minority Affairs Ministry, these masks are being distributed among the needy. The Minority Affairs Ministry launched “Jaan Bhi, Jahan Bhi” awareness campaign to make the people aware of social distancing and other guidelines for safety from Corona.

31-May-2020: Ministry of Minority Affairs releases Infographics highlighting the initiatives and achievements of the over the last six years

The Ministry of Minority Affairs has released a set of 5 infographics each in Hindi and English to highlight the initiatives and achievements of the Ministry over the last six years. Ideally suited for social media platforms, these are portrayed under five broad topics/subjects covering almost all the schemes undertaken for the welfare of the minorities in the country.  These are:

  • Skill Development, Employment & Employment opportunities;
  • Hunar Haat - Opportunities for artisans, chefs etc. with special focus on Women empowerment;
  • Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) --- focusing on socio-economic-educational and employment oriented infrastructure across the country in minority concentrated areas;
  • Educational Empowerment; and
  • Utilisation of Waqf properties----Geo tagging and Digitisation of Waqf properties across the country ensuring utilization of Waqf properties for welfare of the society.

The Infographics are custom-designed to convey the message through pictorials, photographs and text for easy understanding.

5-Mar-2020: Ministry of Minority Affairs implementing various schemes for the socio-economic and educational empowerment of six centrally notified minorities: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi

The Minister of Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today stated in the Lok Sabha in a written reply that Minority has been defined under Section 2 (c) of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) Act, 1992. As per Section 2 (c) of the NCM Act, “minority”, for the purposes of this Act, means a community notified as such by the Central Government. So far, six communities viz. Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Zoroastrians (Parsis) and Jains, have been notified as minority communities by the Central Govt.

To questions about the measures being taken for issues related to minority, their safety, education and for developing better understanding, the details of facilities made available to the minorities in Uttar Pradesh so far under „Naya Savera‟ and „Nayi Udaan‟ scheme, the Minister stated in his reply as follows:

Law and order being a State subject, measures for safety of minorities is the domain of the State Governments. Further, any case related to minority brought to the notice of National Commission for Minorities (NCM), under the aegis of this Ministry, are taken up with concerned authorities in respective governments by NCM under Section 9 of the NCM Act, 1992. 

Ministry of Minority Affairs is implementing various schemes for the socio-economic and educational empowerment of six centrally notified minorities as per brief details given below:-

  1. Educational Empowerment of Minorities (i) Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme – For Class I to X. (ii) Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme – For Class XI to Ph.D. (iii) Merit-cum-Means based Scholarship Scheme – For Professional and Technical Courses. (iv) Maulana Azad National Fellowship – For M.Phil. and Ph.D (v) Free Coaching and Allied Scheme (Naya Savera) – For Competitive  Examination of Professional Courses and Government Jobs.  (vi) Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship for Meritorious Girls belonging to the six centrally notified Minorities (Maulana Azad Education Foundation) (vii) “Padho Pardesh”– Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans for Overseas Studies. (viii) Nai Udaan - Support for students clearing Prelims conducted by UPSC, SSC, State Public Service Commission, etc.

  2. Economic Empowerment of Minorities: (i) Employment-oriented Skill Development Initiatives –Seekho Aur Kamao.- It is a placement linked skill development programme. (ii) Nai Manzil – A scheme for formal school education & skilling of school dropouts (iii) Gharib Nawaz Employment Training for providing short-term job oriented skill development courses to youths belonging to minority communities (MAEF) (iv) National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) – NMDFC provides concessional loans to minorities for self-employment and income generating ventures. 

  3. Improving living conditions of Minorities: (i) Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK):- It is an area development scheme. The Ministry has identified 1300 backward Minority Concentration Areas (MCAs) for the implementation of this scheme.  It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for creating socioeconomic infrastructure as well as basic amenities for uplifting the quality of life of minorities in the MCAs. The amenities are meant for all segments of the society including minorities. The thrust of the Scheme is to allocate at least 80% of the resources for education, health and skill development, out of which 33-40% are to be specifically allocated for women centric projects.

The details of the on-going schemes/programmes are also available on the website of this Ministry: www.minorityaffairs.gov.in; www.maef.nic.in and www.nmdfc.org.

4. The objective of the Naya Savera Scheme is to assist students/candidates belonging to the notified the minority communities by way of special coaching for qualifying in competitive examination for recruitment to Group „A‟, „B‟ & „C‟ services and other equivalent post under the Central and State Governments including public sector undertaking, banks, railways etc. or for admission in technical/professional courses. Under the scheme, free coaching has been provided to 15,498 students upto 2019-20 (as on 29.02.2020) in Uttar Pradesh.

The objective of the Nai Udaan Scheme is to provide financial support to the minority candidates who clear the preliminary examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, Staff Selection Commission and State Public Service Commission. Under the scheme, financial support has been provided to 392 students upto 2019-20 (as on 29.02.2020) in Uttar Pradesh.

12-Feb-2021: Incentives for Textile Industry

Government is implementing various policy initiatives and schemes for supporting the development of textile sector on PAN-India. These schemes and initiatives which promote technology upgradation, creation of infrastructure, skill development and sectoral development in the textile sector, create a conducive environment and provide enabling conditions for textile manufacturing in the country and helps in boosting textile sector through its various schemes, such as the Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (A-TUFS), Schemes for the development of the Powerloom Sector(Power-Tex), Schemes for Technical Textiles, Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP),Scheme for Additional Grant for Apparel Manufacturing Units under SITP (SAGAM), SAMARTH- The Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector (SCBTS), Incentive Scheme for Acquisition of Plant & Machinery (ISAPM), Jute (ICARE- Improved Cultivation and Advanced Retting Exercise), Integrated Processing Development Scheme (IPDS),National Technical Textile Mission(NTTM), Silk Samagra, National Handloom Development Programme, National Handicraft Development Programme, Integrated Wool Development Programme (IWDP), North East Region Textiles Promotion Scheme (NERTPS), Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (ROSCTL), Scheme for Production and Employment Linked Support for Garmenting Units (SPELSGU) etc. The Government had also approved a special package for textile sector with an outlay of Rs. 6000 crores to boost employment generation and exports particularly in Garmenting and Made-ups. Further, major reforms like removal of Anti-dumping Duty(ADD) on Purified Terephthalic Acid(PTA) and Acrylic Fibre have also been taken to encourage the textile sector in the country.

Under the above schemes, financial assistance is provided to the eligible agencies for raw materials, purchase of looms and accessories, design innovation, product diversification, infrastructure development, skill upgradation, lighting units, marketing of textile products in domestic as well as overseas markets and loan at concessional rates.

These above schemes are aimed at promotion/upgradation of textile industries/units and are being implemented all over the country including Uttar Pradesh.

11-Feb-2021: Export of Textiles and Apparels

Indian textile sector is the sixth largest exporter of textiles and apparels in the world. The share of India’s textiles and apparel exports in mercantile exports is 11% for the year 2019-20.

US market is the top market for Indian apparel exports. Taking a major step to boost exports, Government has recently decided to extend the benefit of the Scheme for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) to all export goods with effect from 1st January, 2021. Cabinet has approved Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme in the 10 key sectors for enhancing India’s manufacturing capabilities and enhancing exports. MMF segment and technical textiles are included among the 10 key sectors with approved financial outlay of Rs 10,683 crore over a five year period. Accordingly this Ministry is formulating a scheme to promote identified MMF Apparel and Technical Textile lines to capture substantial share in global trade including US. Union Budget announcements 2021-22 include the launch of Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (MITRA) Parks scheme. To enable the textile industry to become globally competitive, attract large investments and boost employment generation, 7 Textile Parks will be established over 3 years. This will create world class infrastructure with plug and play facilities to enable and create global champions in exports.  

4-Feb-2021: Promotion of Handloom Sector

The Ministry of Textiles through the Office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms had made an Action Plan for celebration of 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi from July 2019 to 2nd October 2020.  The following activities were undertaken through various Weavers’ Service Centres (WSCs) spread across the country during the said period:

  • The Weavers’ Service Centres (WSCs) organized exhibitions of samples developed by them using Khadi yarn during the course of celebration of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
  • Some of the WSCs set up looms for developing samples using khadi yarn.
  • Some of the WSCs used vegetable &azo free dyes on khadi saree and furnishing items, which were available for live demonstration for the visitors, students, handloom weavers, for promotion of khadi.  Periodic live demonstrations were organized in handloom clusters for promoting use of natural fibres with different techniques and pattern on handlooms.
  • During the exhibitions organized by WSCs, awareness was created about the use of natural and native grown fibres for clothing in handloom sector and creating eco-friendly environment by the use of natural dyes.
  • Trainings was given to the weavers & master weavers for production of khadi fabrics/products.
  • Live demonstration of vegetable dyeing was carried out during National Handloom Day and various exhibitions organized by WSCs during the celebration period.
  • During international Yoga and Women’s day, samples of khadi were displayed to the participants and they were made to understand the importance and the use of handloom fabrics made from natural fibres and colours.

27-Jan-2021: Ministry of Textiles signs MoU with M/s Nissenken Quality Evaluation Centre, Japan to boost export of Textile and Apparel to Japanese market

A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony was held between Textiles Committee, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India and M/s. Nissenken Quality Evaluation Centre Japan,  through video conferencing here today. The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister in its meeting held on 2nd September, 2020 had given the approval for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)  between the two organisations. The signing ceremony was Presided over by Hon’ble Minister of Textiles and Minister of Women and Child Development , Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani on the Indian side and by His Excellency Mr. Yasumasa Nagasaka, Hon’ble State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Govt. of Japan from the Japanese side.

The main  objective of the MoU is to  provide required support to textile’s trade and industry for ensuring quality as per the requirement of Japanese buyers  through Testing, Inspection & Conformity Assessment, Training & Capacity Building, Research & Development (R&D) and Consultancy.  It is expected that the MoU will strengthen the bilateral trade  by enhancing India’s export of Textile and Apparels (T&A) to Japan, which is the third largest export destination of the world.

This MoU will formalize mutual interaction and strengthen the relationship in accordance with their respective areas of specialisation.  Both the institutions have agreed to share and exchange relevant technical information and documentation on a regular basis and carry out activities relating to standards, quality assurance norms, joint research projects on testing, development of user friendly tools for dissemination of data to the industry and facilitate sourcing across the Textiles Value Chain (TVC) from both the countries.

Speaking on the occasion of the signing ceremony, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani fondly recalled the friendship and long history rooted in spiritual affinity and strong cultural and civilizational ties between India and Japan. She also extolled about the further deepening and strengthening of the India-Japan relationship under the able leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji. The Minister further highlighted the challenge relating to stringent quality standards for exports to Japan and expressed confidence that the MoU will help in creating awareness on the various quality parameters being sought by the importers based in Japan and extending hand-holding support to the Indian exporters to adopt and upgrade their technology so as to enhance the quality of products and satisfy the stipulations as required by the Japanese importers.

She also spoke about the synergy in the working of the two organisations and expressed confidence that it will inter alia boost the Technical Textiles sector as well and improve sourcing from India. She also urged the T & A industry to make full use of the opportunity in furthering Indian Interests.

Speaking on the occasion, the Japanese State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Sh Yasumasa Nagasaka highlighted that India is a huge market for Japanese industry and expressed confidence that going forward, there will be substantial development in the India- Japan trade relationship.

India and Japan have signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2011 which inter-alia facilitates import of garments from India to Japan at zero duty. Despite CEPA, the growth in trade in Textiles and Apparel (T&A) between the two countries has been moderate. Japan is third largest importer of T&A in the world and India is 6th largest exporter and there is huge untapped potential for trade which remains unharnessed.

It is in this backdrop, a high level delegation from Ministry of Textiles was mounted in February, 2019 with a view to enhance exports and co-operation in textile sector and to identify areas for optimizing the benefit of CEPA. As an outcome of these developments, the Textiles Committee entered into negotiation with M/s. Nissenken Quality Evaluation Centre, Japan for providing valuable services to the textile trade and industry of both the countries through collaborative efforts between the two organisations.

About Textiles Committee: The Textiles Committee was established in the year 1963 by an Act of Parliament and is a statutory body under the Ministry of Textiles with a mandate, inter alia, to ensure quality of all textiles and textile products for domestic and export markets. The Textiles Committee is the only body providing for all the quality related needs of the entire Textiles Value Chain (TVC) in an integrated format on a pan-India basis through its network of 28 offices across the country including 19 state of art laboratories accredited under relevant national and International standards.

About Nissenken Quality Evaluation Centre, Japan: M/s Nissenken Quality Evaluation Centre is one of the leading Testing and Inspection organizations in Japan established in 1948 and providing world-class facilities and rendering valuable services to the textiles trade and industry in Japan and 7 other countries including China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Cambodia and India.

3-Dec-2020: Ministry of Textiles invites proposals for constitution of a Dedicated Export Promotion Council for Technical Textiles

Ministry of Textiles has invited proposals for constitution of a dedicated Export Promotion Council (EPC) for Technical Textiles vide Public Notice dated December 01, 2020. The Exporter Association and Trade bodies registered under Companies Act or Society Registration Act have been asked to submit proposal for constitution of a dedicated EPC for Technical Textiles by 15th December 2020.

The Council shall abide by all directions of the Central Government in respect of promotion and development of international trade and would be responsible to promote ITC(HS) lines identified and Notified by Directorate General of Foreign Trade from time to time.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, in its meeting held on 26th February,2020, gave its approval to set up a National Technical Textiles Mission with a total outlay of Rs. 1480 Crore, with a view to position the country as a global leader in Technical Textiles. The Mission would have a four year implementation period from FY 2020-21 to 2023-24. Constitution of an Export Promotion Council for Technical Textiles is part of one of the components of the National Technical Textiles Mission.

Technical Textiles are futuristic and nice segment of textiles, which are used for various applications ranging from agriculture, roads, railway tracks, sportswear, health on one end to bullet proof jackets, fire proof jackets, high altitude combat gear and space applications on other end of spectrum.

Background of Technical Textiles:

  • Technical textiles are textiles materials and products manufactured primarily for technical performance and functional properties rather than aesthetic characteristics. Technical Textiles products are divided into 12 broad categories (Agrotech, Buildtech, Clothtech, Geotech, Hometech, Indutech, Mobiltech, Meditech, Protech, Sportstech, Oekotech, Packtech) depending upon their application areas.
  • India shares nearly 6% of world market size of 250 Billion USD. However, the annual average growth of the segment is 12%, as compared to 4% world average growth.
  • Penetration level of technical textiles is low in India at 5-10%, against 30-70% in advanced countries. The Mission aims at improving penetration level of technical textiles in the country.

22-Sep-2020: Powerloom sector contributes nearly 58.4% to total cloth production and more than 60% of fabric meant for export in the country

In order to revive, develop and renovate Powerloom sector, Government had been implementing PowerTex scheme during 01.04.2017 to 31.03.2021 for Powerloom sector. Further, Government has approved Textile Cluster Development Scheme which inter-alia has the components pertaining to Group Work shed Scheme, PM Credit Scheme for powerloom weavers and in-situ upgradation for powerloom.

The powerloom sector contributes nearly 58.4 % to total cloth production in the country.  More than 60% of fabric meant for export is also sourced from powerloom sector. The readymade garments and home textile sectors are heavily dependent on the powerloom sector to meet their fabric requirement.

The Government has taken following major initiatives/ measures in textile sector to boost exports on pan-India basis and to make textile sector globally competitive:

  1. PM Mega Integrated Textiles Region and Apparel Parks (PM MITRA):The Government has approved setting up of Seven PM MITRA Parks in Greenfield/Brownfield sites with an outlay of Rs. 4,445 crore for a period of seven years upto 2027-28. The Scheme would lead to creation of a modern, integrated large scale, world class industrial infrastructure including plug and play facilities. These parks will enable the textile industry to become globally competitive, attract large investment and boost employment generation.
  2. The scheme of Rebate of State and central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) effective from March 2019 has been continued till 31st March 2024 for Exports of Apparel / Garments and made-ups in order to make the textile sector competitive in international market.
  3. The Government has approved the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles, with an approved outlay of Rs 10,683 crore, to promote production of Man-Made Fiber (MMF) Apparel, MMF Fabrics and Products of Technical Textiles in the country to enable Textile sector to achieve size and scale and to become competitive.
  4. To boost exports in Man Made Fibre(MMF) sector, Government has removed anti-dumping duty on PTA (Purified Terephthalic Acid), Viscose Staple Fibre and Acrylic.
  5. Government under Market Access Initiative (MAI) scheme provides financial support to various Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) and Trade Bodies engaged in promotion of textiles and garments exports, for organizing and participating in trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer-seller meets etc. in foreign markets.

12-Feb-2021: Family pensions ceiling enhanced from Rs 45,000 to 1,25,000 per month

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that in a far reaching reform regarding family pensions the upper ceiling has been raised from Rs 45,000 to Rs 1,25,000 per month. He said, the move will bring “Ease of Living” for the family members of the deceased employees and would provide adequate financial security to them. The Minister said that the Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare (DoPPW) has issued clarification on the amount admissible in case a child is eligible to draw two family pensions after death of his /her parents. Dr Jitendra Singh said that the amount of both the family pensions will now be restricted to Rs 1,25,000 per month, which is more than two and half times higher than the earlier limit.

In accordance with sub-rule (11) of rule 54 of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules 1972, in case both wife and husband are Government servants and are governed by the provisions of that rule, on their death, the surviving child is eligible for two family pensions in respect of the deceased parents. Earlier instructions laid down that the total amount of two family pensions in such cases, shall not exceed to Rs 45,000/- per month and Rs 27,000/- per month which were determined at the rate of 50% and 30%, respectively taking into account of the highest pay of Rs. 90,000/- as per 6th CPC recommendations. 

Since the highest pay has been revised to Rs. 2,50,000 per month after the implementation of 7th CPC recommendations, therefore the amount prescribed in Rule 54(11) of CCS (Pension) Rules has also been revised to Rs 1,25,000/- per month being 50% of Rs.2,50,000/- and   Rs 75000/- per month being 30% of Rs. 2,50,000/-.

The above clarification has been issued on the references received from various Ministry /Department. As per the existing rule, if parents are Government servants and one of the them dies while in service or after retirement, the family pension in respect of the deceased shall become payable to the surviving spouse and in the event of the death of the spouse, the surviving child shall be granted the two family pensions in respect of the deceased parents subject to fulfilment of other eligibility conditions.

17-Jan-2021:  “Pension Payment Order" (PPO) promises ease of living for senior citizens

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh said here today that the recently introduced Electronic “Pension Payment Order" (PPO) promises ease of living for senior citizens.

Referring to some path-breaking reforms introduced in the Ministry of Personnel, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that the Department of Pensions in the Ministry of Personnel was often at the receiving end of complaints from senior citizens about the original copies of their Pension Payment Order getting misplaced. In such situations, the pensioners, particularly the older pensioners, had to face several hardships, he said.

Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's thrust on digitalization, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, in the last six years there has been rapid progress in this direction and many of the Ministries and Departments in the Government of India were performing nearly 80% of their work through e-office even before the onset of COVID pandemic. He congratulated the officials in the Department of Pensions who had successfully introduced the provision of Electronic "Pension Payment Order" during the height of COVID pandemic, which came as a boon to several of the retiring officials who were getting superannuated during the lockdown period and were finding it difficult to physically receive the hard copy of their PPO. Significantly, the entire process was accomplished much before the targeted timeline in view of the difficulties being faced by the pensioners due to the pandemic.

Accordingly, the Department of Pensions and Pensioners' Welfare decided to integrate the electronic PPO generated through PFMS application of CGA (Controller General of Accounts) with Digi-locker. This enables the pensioner to obtain an instant print - out of the latest copy of his PPO from the Digi-locker account.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said, a number of reforms have been introduced to bring ease of living and convenience in the lives of pensioners whose population is increasing day by day with the increase in lifespan and improved status of health. He said, these include Pre-retirement Workshops and Counselling Sessions as well as assistance in meaningful engagement in the post-retirement phase of life so that the energies, the expertise and the experience of senior citizens can be optimally utilised in the service of society and for the cause of nation building.

26-Sep-2020: Rules relaxed for divorced daughters to receive Family Pension

Rules have been relaxed for divorced daughters to receive Family Pension and now a daughter will be entitled to receive the Family Pension even if the divorce had not finally taken place but the divorce petition had been filed by her during the lifetime of her deceased parent employee/pensioner.

Disclosing this while briefing the media about some of the important reforms brought in by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the earlier Rule provided for payment of Family Pension to a divorced daughter only if the divorce had taken place during the lifetime of deceased parent pensioner or his spouse. The new circular will not only bring ease in the life of pension receiving individuals but also ensure respectable and equitable rights for the divorced daughters in the society.

Orders have also been issued for grant of Family Pension to a Divyaang child or sibling even if the Disability Certificate is produced after the death of the pensioner parent but the disability had occurred before the death of the parents. Similarly, to bring ease of living for the Divyaang pensioners, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the Attendant Allowance for the helper has been increased from Rs. 4,500 per month to Rs..6,700 per month.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, one of the most noteworthy initiatives taken by the Pension Department is with regard to the Digital Life Certificate. Keeping in view the difficulty faced by the senior citizens who have gone and settled abroad with their children after retirement, he said, circular has been brought out on Consolidated Instructions on Life Certificate and commencement of Family Pension for those living abroad vide which the concerned Bank Branch abroad and the Indian Embassy/ Consulate/High Commission have been instructed to provide Life Certificate and commencement of Family Pension there itself.

At the same time, Dr Jitendra Singh said, all Pension Disbursing Banks have been instructed to provide doorstep Life Certificate to those pensioners who are unable to visit the bank.

17-Jun-2020: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh to address a Workshop on Good Governance Practices

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, PG and Pensions will deliver the Inaugural Address at the ITEC-NCGG Two-day Workshop on COVID-19 – Good Governance Practices in a Pandemic through a webinar on June 18, 2020. The Conference would be attended by Chief of Staff, Sri Lanka Army Major General HJS Gunawardena, Senior Secretaries to Government from Bangladesh, Senior officials from Bhutan, Kenya, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Somalia, Thailand, Tunisia, Tonga, Sudan and Uzbekistan and will be held on June 18-19, 2020.

The other Sessions on day 1, would cover State level best practices in Karnataka, Gujarat and Bihar and the District level best practices in Kerala, Telangana and Jammu & Kashmir. The Member Secretary of the National Disaster Management Authority Shri G.V.V Sarma would be chairing the second session and the former Cabinet Secretary, Shri Ajit Seth would be chairing the third session.  On day two, the sessions would include Challenges for the Health sector and the Vande Bharat Abhiyan. Ms. Sujatha Rao, former Health Secretary, Government of India and CMD, Air India, Shri Rajiv Bansal would be chairing these sessions.  The Valedictory Address would be delivered by Dr. Kshatrapati Shivaji, Secretary, DARPG and DPPW, Government of India. Senior officials from participating countries would contribute to the deliberations.

Shri V. Srinivas, Additional Secretary, DARPG and Director General, National Centre for Good Governance said that the Two-day Workshop was jointly conceptualized by the Ministry of External Affairs, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances and National Centre for Good Governance with the objective of disseminating India’s good governance practices to ITEC countries.

  1. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
  2. Ministry of Labour & Employment
  3. Ministry of Railways
  4. Joint sitting of two houses of Parliament
  5. Ministry of Finance (MoF)
  6. Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MPA)