Stop power loom to produce evil twins of handloom items

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Directorate of Handlooms and Textile has submitted a proposal to the Assam government to protect the weavers of the State Handloom industry from encroachment by the powerloom sector.

According to a department source, the proposal stated that provision should be made to penalize the seller/stocklist who sells powerloom produced items which are reserved under the Handlooms (Reservations of Articles for Production) Act, 1985.

The proposal urged the government to make provisions for compulsory use of handloom mark, handloom brand in the articles reserved for production exclusively in handloom. The proposal stated that Textiles laboratory should be set up with up-to-date standard to ascertain the origin of the loom. The department said high-power State-level Textile committee should be formed to address all the issues related to the handloom production and sales of fabrics. Further, it asserted that the government should advertise the advantages of the Act so that the weavers are aware about their scope of survival. The Assam government should take necessary steps for establishment of proper export and import regulatory system of handloom goods without hampering the interest of the Handloom weavers as well as State Revenue collections, stated the proposal.

The department urged the government to introduced provisions to ensure use of eco friendly dye materials to prevent health hazard and environment hazard. "Empower the Department of Handloom and Textiles to issue and renew of trade license for doing business of handlooms and its products with the State," the proposal added. 

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