92 units from 13 States at handloom expo

Govt extends 20 pc rebate on all products sold by primary societies

He was speaking after inaugurating “Harshakala,” a national handloom expo at the Palace Grounds. The exhibition will be on till January 13. Ninety-two handloom agencies from 13 states are participating in the expo.

The aim of the annual exhibition is to create awareness among the consumers and weavers about the latest designs, contemporary trends and fashion forecast. Around three  lakh consumers are expected to visit the exhibition and a turnover of Rs five crore is anticipated.

Besides the exhibition, the State government has also rolled out various incentives to encourage garment companies to set up industries in backward areas, said A Anand, joint director, Department of handlooms and textiles.

“Companies willing to set up industries in backward regions will be given investment subsidies, stamp duty exemption, entry tax exemption and power subsidy,” said Anand.

Textile Park in Shimoga

For instance, Shahi Exports recently announced setting up of Textile Park in Shimoga. Similarly various other companies like Gokuldas, LT Karla and export companies were showing interest in setting up units in Mangalore and Belgaum areas, he revealed.

Their proposals will be finalised within six months. There are around 1,89,000 handloom weavers and about 1, 30,000 power weavers in the State.

Meanwhile, M D Lakshminarayana, chairman, Karnataka Handloom Development Corporation, demanded that the Union government should restart the 10 per cent rebate given on handloom products, which has been excluded from the current 11th five year plan.