Category: Asia

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: ACHIEVEMENTS UNDER NHDP

Source: Government of India (2)

Ministry of Textiles

PARLIAMENT QUESTION: ACHIEVEMENTS UNDER NHDP

Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 12:56PM by PIB Delhi

The details of the targets set & achievements under the National Handicraft Development Programme (NHDP) and the Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) during the last five years, including the number of toolkits distributed, infrastructure projects sanctioned and completed, artisans provided with interest rate subvention, and mega clusters established, year-wise are enclosed at below.

The details of fund sanctiond and released, under NHDP and CHCDS during the last five years, state-wise and year-wise are enclosed at below. Under the various components of the scheme, the funds are released ranging between 50-75% of the sanctioned amount, therefore the released amount every year is less than the sanctioned amount.

The office of DC (handicrafts) has sanctioned one project namely Strengthening of Urban Haat under NHDP scheme at Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh during last five year and its current status is completed. Further, this office has also sanctioned projects to the state of Andhra Pradesh under CHCDS scheme and the details including current status are as given below:

Sl. No	Name of Infrastructure component	Year of sanction	District	Current Status
1	Common Facility Centre	2022-23	Eluru	Ongoing project
2	Common Facility Centre	2022-23	Palnadu	Ongoing project
3	Common Facility Centre	2022-23	NTR	To be started
4	Common Facility Centre	2022-23	Eluru	To be started
5	Common Facility Centre	2022-23	Parvathipuram Manyam	To be started
6	Raw Material Bank	2022-23	NTR	To be started

The number of artisans who have benefited from skill development programme, training, and financial assistance under NHDP in Andhra Pradesh, district-wise, during the last three years are given in below.

The office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) under the aegis of Ministry of Textiles plans for need based programmes & interventions for the sector based on the requirement projected by the artisans, non-profit organizations & state Government agencies as per the financial target approved in EFC for NHDP and SFC for CHCDS scheme respectively.

Statement referred to in reply to part (a) of the Lok Sabha unstarred Question No. 2978 for answer on 18.03.2025.

The details of the targets set and achievements under the National Handicraft Development Programme (NHDP) and the Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) during the last five years are as under:

S. No	Name of the Scheme	FY 2019-20		FY 2020-21
S. No	Name of the Scheme	Target	Achievements	Target	Achievements
1	National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP)	382 Domestic & International Marketing event	213 Domestic & International Marketing event	433 Domestic & International Marketing event	91 Domestic & International Marketing event
		404 Skill & Design Development Training	527 Skill & Design Development Training	574 Skill & Design Development Training	331 Skill & Design Development Training
		3,750 toolkits distributions	2,935 toolkits distributions	3,750 toolkits distributions	4,250 toolkits distributions
		65 Clusters Formation	65 Clusters Formation	Formation of 40 Producer Companies	Formation of 45 Producer Companies
		05 Infrastructure projects	08 Infrastructure projects	13 Infrastructure projects	08 Infrastructure projects
		Financial Support to 300 artisans under indigent circumstances	Financial Support to 302 artisans under indigent circumstances	Financial Support to 300 artisans under indigent circumstances	Financial Support to 302 artisans under indigent circumstances
		Interest Subvention to 50,000 artisans	0	Interest Subvention to 50,000 artisans	0
		Coverage of 2.00 lakhs artisans under Bima Yojanas	Coverage of 2,346 artisans under Bima Yojanas	Coverage of 2.00 lakhs artisans under Bima Yojanas	0
		Issuance of 3.50 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Issuance of 2.50 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Margin Money to 3000 artisans	Margin Money to 3,000 artisans
		Issuance of 3.50 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Issuance of 2.50 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Issuance of 3.50 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Issuance of 2.50 Lakhs artisans Identity card
		15 Survey/ Studies	15 Survey/ Studies	13 Survey/ Studies	13 Survey/ Studies
		44 Seminar/ Workshops	45 Seminar/ Workshops	40 Seminar/ Workshops	40 Seminar/ Workshops
2	Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS)	Completion of 09 Mega Cluster projects, 10 IDPH Projects	Completion of projects at advanced level	Completion of 09 Mega Cluster projects, 10 IDPH Projects and setting up of 2 new IDPH projects	Completion of all projects at final stage and sanctioned of 2 new IDPH projects

S. No	Name of the Scheme	FY 2021-22		FY 2022-23
S. No	Name of the Scheme	Target	Achievements	Target	Achievements
1	National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP)	149 Domestic & International Marketing event	286 Domestic & International Marketing event	165 Domestic & International Marketing event	338 Domestic & International Marketing event
		366 Skill & Design Development Training	584 Skill & Design Development Training	375 Skill & Design Development Training	315 Skill & Design Development Training
		8,000 toolkits distributions	13,267 toolkits distributions	10,000 toolkits distributions	9,750 toolkits distributions
		Identification of 60 Adopted & Export Oriented Clusters	Identification of 73 Adopted & Export Oriented Clusters	Identification of 60 Adopted & Export Oriented Clusters	0
		Formation of 40 Producer Companies	Formation of 16 Producer Companies	Formation of 40 Producer Companies	Formation of 90 Producer Companies
		08 Infrastructure projects	10 Infrastructure projects	07 Infrastructure projects	28 Infrastructure projects
		Financial Support to 365 artisans under indigent circumstances	Financial Support to 365 artisans under indigent circumstances	Financial Support to 410 artisans under indigent circumstances	Financial Support to 339 artisans under indigent circumstances
		Interest Subvention to 4,000 artisans	Interest Subvention to 25 artisans	Interest Subvention to 4,000 artisans	Interest Subvention to 130 artisans
		Margin Money to 1,500 artisans	Margin Money to 25 artisans	Margin Money to 1,500 artisans	Margin Money to 212 artisans
		Issuance of 2.0 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Issuance of 1.70 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Issuance of 1.5 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Issuance of 1.82 Lakhs artisans Identity card
		80 Awareness Programme	06 Craft Awareness Programme, 08 Workshops and 670 Chaupal conducted	125 Awareness Programme	14 Workshops and 670 Chaupal
		17 Survey/ Studies	20 Survey/ Studies	20 Survey/ Studies	04 Survey/ Studies
		55 Seminar/ Workshops	212 Seminar/ Workshops	55 Seminar/ Workshops	231 Seminar/ Workshops
2	Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS)	Setting up of 3 Mega Clusters	Setting up of 4 Mega Clusters	Setting up of 7 Mega Clusters	Setting up of 8 Mega Clusters

S. No	Name of the Scheme	2023-24
S. No	Name of the Scheme	Target	Achievements
1	National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP)	181 Domestic & International Marketing event	208 Domestic & International Marketing event
		378 Skill & Design Development Training	452 Skill & Design Development Training
		10,000 toolkits distributions	9,050 toolkits distributions
		Identification of 60 Adopted & Export Oriented Clusters	Identification of 22 Adopted & Export Oriented Clusters
		Formation of 40 Producer Companies	Formation of 49 Producer Companies
		08 Infrastructure projects	21 Infrastructure projects
		Financial Support to 465 artisans under indigent circumstances	Financial Support to 538 artisans under indigent circumstances
		Interest Subvention to 4,000 artisans	Interest Subvention to 1,144 artisans
		Margin Money to 1,500 artisans	Margin Money to 299 artisans
		Issuance of 1.5 Lakhs artisans Identity card	Issuance of 1.53 Lakhs artisans Identity card
		125 Awareness Programme	670 Awareness Programme
		22 Survey/ Studies	10 Survey/ Studies
		60 Seminar/ Workshops	137 Seminar/ Workshops
2	Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS)	Setting up of 5 Mega Clusters/ IDPH	Setting up of 1 Mega Clusters

Statement referred to in reply to part (b) of the Lok Sabha unstarred Question No. 2978 for answer on 18.03.2025.

The details of fund sanctioned & released, under National Handicraft Development Programme (NHDP) during the FY 2019-20 to 2023-24 are as under :

(Rs. In Lakhs)

Sl. No	States/UTs	2019-20		2020-21		2021-22		2022-23		2023-24
Sl. No		Funds sanctioned	Funds released	Funds sanctioned	Funds released	Funds sanctioned	Funds released	Funds sanctioned	Funds released	Funds sanctioned	Funds released
	A & N Islands	93.37	46.68	53.84	29.41	31.19	26.73	20.28	20.28	17.45	17.45
	Andhra Pradesh	353.13	183.57	526.02	312.55	1,528.20	807.19	548.52	323.49	391.57	321.18
	Arunachal Pradesh	38.97	31.37	23.89	17.01	149.64	124.19	23.44	23.44	59.77	44.74
	Assam	315.78	195.64	691.64	396.73	717.84	494.30	728.57	536.59	326.11	247.76
	Bihar	495.81	223.41	397.38	193.42	220.77	128.12	717.73	481.05	451.44	248.84
	Chandigarh	98.68	53.81	0.00	0.00	50.25	20.25	72.91	44.18	27.84	20.88
	Chhattisgarh	203.94	131.19	146.81	110.47	139.44	99.49	118.93	94.98	56.34	47.03
	Daman & Dew	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	8.94	6.71	0.00	0.00
	Delhi	2,234.11	2,105.66	2,965.05	2,901.15	3,011.61	2,759.39	947.53	785.52	1,332.61	816.59
	Goa	25.50	12.75	0.00	0.00	49.35	43.39	53.09	44.92	45.28	31.36
	Gujarat	310.57	165.79	503.50	265.76	1,654.40	1,018.29	1,430.52	840.22	999.29	592.58
	Haryana	286.53	149.32	163.88	81.94	287.71	164.84	291.30	210.47	291.17	195.46
	Himachal Pradesh	513.15	292.86	289.63	192.62	300.70	198.05	121.32	91.51	106.64	79.68
	Jammu and Kashmir	51.95	25.98	373.07	170.22	584.62	431.71	1,172.36	796.56	1,076.91	686.72
	Jharkhand	290.81	190.00	443.68	266.64	191.40	133.37	256.22	190.83	251.51	156.83
	Karnataka	195.74	123.54	149.70	86.63	433.44	273.18	441.08	333.41	361.34	282.69
	Kerala	209.84	130.92	241.80	121.18	307.67	184.76	275.81	234.46	202.80	168.35
	Ladakh	29.70	23.76	5.94	3.97	45.44	31.29	35.55	29.84	112.04	24.40
	Madhya Pradesh	726.01	429.62	680.29	390.84	531.76	331.13	588.77	437.32	452.77	311.09
	Maharashtra	337.99	204.88	278.36	150.34	390.35	266.95	326.58	265.78	919.61	423.06
	Manipur	76.68	59.63	249.81	140.03	1,198.22	768.81	1,169.90	656.12	266.11	194.89
	Meghalaya	86.52	56.73	15.50	15.50	242.99	184.01	89.71	76.92	100.84	53.93
	Mizoram	19.97	19.97	11.50	11.48	131.55	98.93	48.89	45.09	38.59	22.60
	Nagaland	226.85	131.78	70.61	41.56	238.20	144.66	408.72	239.08	279.36	220.03
	Odisha	155.32	83.62	194.87	112.91	888.00	687.15	462.47	358.49	475.47	341.27
	Puducherry	33.25	16.62	124.74	76.16	234.97	153.61	142.42	100.62	71.77	42.96
	Punjab	483.47	281.05	402.06	236.66	565.55	345.88	413.11	318.18	96.13	74.53
	Rajasthan	412.33	293.46	622.25	337.29	1,127.93	698.82	1,715.64	997.32	2,163.86	611.77
	Sikkim	181.00	114.39	12.50	12.50	43.48	34.49	89.97	77.11	38.92	30.07
	Tamil Nadu	109.94	68.34	652.90	130.08	417.52	242.89	333.62	264.64	401.68	282.88
	Telangana	261.21	152.09	287.26	172.52	219.63	152.25	299.31	226.03	339.06	223.04
	Tripura	75.51	53.73	136.63	86.42	94.22	58.80	103.57	86.10	97.61	66.32
	Uttar Pradesh	1,283.77	663.25	2,141.73	1,179.84	3,241.81	2,506.53	5,524.95	3,120.76	3,251.86	1,990.44
	Uttarakhand	230.70	116.04	313.78	203.30	333.68	199.95	222.59	176.29	91.12	76.71
	West Bengal	208.79	121.86	242.13	132.13	416.66	250.92	741.98	527.28	571.09	391.84
	All India (non state Specific)	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	211.14	67.67	1,083.01	1,079.26
	International Marketing	1,195.13	0.00	371.29	0.00	737.02	0.00	2,136.10	0.00	674.12	500.03
	Total	11,852.02	6,953.29	13,866.02	8,600.75	20,757.22	14,064.34	22,293.52	13,129.25	17,523.09	10,919.25

Fund allocated and released under Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) during 2019-20 to 2023-24

(Rs. In Lakhs)

Sl. No.	States/UTs	2019-20		2020-21		2021-22		2022-23		2023-24
		FUNDS SANCTIONED	FUNDS RELEASED	FUNDS SANCTIONED	FUNDS RELEASED	FUNDS SANCTIONED	FUNDS RELEASED	FUNDS SANCTIONED	FUNDS RELEASED	FUNDS SANCTIONED	FUNDS RELEASED
	Andhra Pradesh	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	129.09	129.09	0.00	0.00	328.00	328.00
	Bihar	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	2,927.57	0.00	99.17	99.17
	Goa	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	2.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
	Gujarat	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	687.01	0.00	244.52	196.00	0.00	0.00
	Himachal Pradesh	0.00	0.00	632.82	316.41	253.13	253.13	0.00	0.00	0.00	196.90
	Jammu and Kashmir	593.61	593.61	2.84	2.84	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
	Ladakh	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	1,754.55	60.75	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
	Madhya Pradesh	1,000.58	1,000.58	0.00	0.00	51.80	0.00	0.00	0.00	612.17	612.17
	Odisha	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	2,728.72	545.98	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
	Rajasthan	1,183.35	1,167.60	1,469.38	1,469.38	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
	Telangana	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	171.80	163.67	8.13	8.13	150.00	150.00
	Tripura							0.00	0.00	464.00	464.00
	Uttar Pradesh	450.15	450.15	281.78	141.88	13.33	13.33	1,852.24	89.02	0.00	0.00
	Total	3,227.69	3,211.94	2,386.824	1,930.517	5,789.434	1,165.95	5,034.46	293.1478	1,653.34	1,850.24

Statement referred to in reply to part (D) of the Lok Sabha unstarred Question No. 2978 for answer on 18.03.2025.

The number of artisans who have benefited from skill development, training, and financial assistance

under NHDP in Andhra Pradesh, district-wise, during the last three years are as under:

Sl. No.	2022-23		2023-24		2024-25
	District	Number of artisans	District	Number of artisans	District	Number of artisans
	Krishna	120	Guntur	159	Krishna	44
	Annakapalli	128	Annakapalli	232	Annakapalli	66
	Vishakhapatnam	101	Vishakhapatnam	5	Alluri Seetharamaraju	30
	East Godavari	80	East Godavari	40	Bapatla	30
	Eluru	385	Eluru	114	East Godavari	50
	Guntur	40	Konaseema	124	Eluru	34
	Kakinada	50	Krishna	109	Konaseema	35
	NTR	457	NTR	325	Krishna	44
	Palnadu	280	Palnadu	34	NTR	76
	Srikakulam	95	Parvathi puram manyam	144	Palnadu	4
	West Godavari	545	Srikakulam	85	Parvathi puram manyam	34
	Sri Sathya Sai	150	Vijayanagaram	5	Srikakulam	4
	Tirupati	30	West Godavari	161	Vijayanagaram	5
	Chittoor	30	Sri Sathya Sai	100	West Godavari	75
	Nellore	1	Chittoor	50	Annamayya	30
	Vijayanagaram	1	Tirupati	30	Kurnool	31
			Kurnool	01	Tirupati	3
					Srisathya sai	3
					Vishakhapatnam	1
Total		2,493		1,718		599

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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DHANYA SANAL K

DIRECTOR

(Lok Sabha US Q2978)

(Release ID: 2113554)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: GI TAGGED PRODUCTS

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 12:55PM by PIB Delhi

Ministry of Textiles promotes the provision of Geographical Indication (GI) of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act 1999, in respect of handloom & handicrafts products of pan India under the scheme, National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) & National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) respectively. Under the above scheme, financial assistance is provided for meeting the expenses in registering the designs/products, imparting training to personnel of implementing agencies and effective enforcement of G.I. registration. So far, a total no. of 214 handicrafts products and 104 handloom products, out of a total no. of 658 GI tagged products have been registered under the GI Act.

In addition, summit/seminars, workshops, marketing events including participation in international fairs/expos etc. are organized to sensitize the weavers & artisans about the benefits of getting GI tags for their products and to improve their market share in domestic & international markets.

To promote the GI handloom products in the domestic and international arena, a summit, “GI & Beyond – Virasat se Vikas Tak”, was organized recently highlighting & promoting the unique cultural and historical significance of GI-tagged handloom products from various regions, demonstrating their authenticity and craftsmanship to a global audience. The main objective was to provide marketing opportunities to the GI handloom weavers, to know the consumer market, global trend, etc. and to publicize the GI tagged products among the buyers. The event witnessed participation by GI authorized users, overseas buyers, domestic exporters & MNCs etc.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

****

DHANYA SANAL K

(Lok Sabha US Q2797)

(Release ID: 2113550) Visitor Counter : 68

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: INITIATIVES UNDERTAKEN UNDER NTTM

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 12:55PM by PIB Delhi

Since the launch of the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) from 2020-21, support is being provided for Research and Development, Start-ups, Skill Development, Export promotion in technical textiles. These initiatives are expected to benefit various technical textile clusters across India including clusters in the state of Tamil Nadu. The details of the research projects approved under NTTM, their funding allocations and current status for the State of Tamil Nadu are at below.

The scope of the Mission does not cover the establishment or upgradation of Technical Textiles units. However, the initiatives undertaken under NTTM towards development of new products, R&D activities, generation of domestic demand through market promotion, export promotion and skilling ecosystem have helped development of technical textiles industry across the country including Tamil Nadu. Further, to achieve these initiatives, three National/International conferences have been organized in association with the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Details of research projects approved under NTTM, their funding allocations and current status for the State of Tamil Nadu

S. No.	Research Project Title	Implementing Institute	Approved Grant (INR)	Status of Project
1	Design and development of facile high throughput needle less electrospinning set-up	SITRA, Coimbatore	1,89,65,000	Under Progress
2	Development of natural herbal extract coated seed protection bag using natural fiber with long lasting mechanical and insecticidal properties	SITRA, Coimbatore	50,00,000	Under Progress
3	Municipal Solid Waste (Soil Like Material) and Geotextile Interaction Study for Pavement Subgrade and Embankment Applications in Soft Ground	NIT-Trichy, Tiruchirappalli	30,31,520	Under Progress
4	3D Printed protein-based textile fibers	IIT-Madras, Chennai	1,00,00,000	Completion report is under evaluation
5	Studies on the Ballistic Energy Absorption of Polyethylene Coated Aramid Fabrics	IIT-Madras, Chennai	26,90,000	Under Progress
6	Additive Manufacturing of Technical Textiles for Sustainable Mobility- Agro Waste Based Materials and Product Design	IIT-Madras, Chennai	99,94,600	Under Progress
7	Boron-doped diamond coated corrosion-resistant carbon materials for electro-organic synthesis, energy, and clean water applications	IIT-Madras, Chennai	6,99,90,000	Under Progress
8	Fabrication of flexible conductive fibres/fabric for wearable electronic textiles	CSIR-CECRI, Sekkalakottai	1,00,00,000	Under Progress
9	Design and development of fabric antibody embedded matrix for tuberculosis screening	IIT-Madras, Chennai	50,00,000	Under Progress
10	Conductive yarns embroidered e-textile wearable systems for health and sports application.	CSIR-CECRI, Sekkalakottai	55,54,800	Under Progress
11	Development of Seaweed-derived Cellulose and Phytochemicals as Cost-efficient Additive Composite for Medical-grade Textiles	CSIR-CECRI, Sekkalakottai	51,48,264	Under Progress

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

****

DHANYA SANAL K

(Lok Sabha US Q2840)

(Release ID: 2113552) Visitor Counter : 72

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: FUNDS ALLOCATION TO PLI

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 12:54PM by PIB Delhi

The Government is implementing Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles on Pan India basis including Odisha. PLI scheme is aimed at promoting the production of MMF Apparel, MMF fabrics and products of Technical Textiles to achieve size and scale and to become competitive. Rs. 1,143 cr are allocated for disbursement under PLI scheme to the companies on achieving the prescribed threshold investment and threshold turnover. Out of the 74 applicants selected under the scheme, 24 are MSMEs. There is no application for setting factory in Odisha.

In addition, Ministry of Textiles has taken various steps to support and promote traditional textiles of Handloom across the country including Odisha. Under various schematic interventions end-to-end support is provided to eligible handloom agencies/workers including entrepreneurs for raw materials, procurement of upgraded looms & accessories, solar lighting units, construction of workshed, product diversification & design innovation, technical and common infrastructure, marketing of handloom products in domestic/overseas markets, concessional loans under weavers’ MUDRA scheme and social security etc. across the country including Odisha.

Market penetration through organisation/participation in international fairs/exhibitions, big ticket events, Buyer Sellers Meet, Reverse Buyer Sellers Meet etc., for export promotion of handloom products including Odisha’s unique handloom products is also being undertaken. Publicity and brand development through India Handloom Brand (IHB), Handloom Mark (HLM) and other measures. Further, assistance is also being provided in establishing international marketing linkages to suitable Apex/Primary handloom cooperative societies, corporations, producers’ companies, handloom awardees, exporters, other talented weavers etc. who are producing exclusive exportable handloom products. Technical Textiles manufacturing is promoted through NTTM by supporting innovation/ R&D and PLI by incentivizing production and sales.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

*******

DHANYA SANAL K

DIRECTOR

(Lok Sabha US Q2794)

(Release ID: 2113549) Visitor Counter : 71

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: ALIGNMENT OF SAMARTH CENTRES

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 12:53PM by PIB Delhi

Ministry is implementing (Samarth)- Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector (SCBTS), with the objective to provide demand driven, placement oriented National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) compliant skilling programmes to incentivize and supplement the efforts to the industry in creating jobs in the organized textile (excluding spinning & weaving). Scheme is implemented through empaneled Implementing Partners (191) with majority being Textile Industry & Industry Associations and having training centres spread across all regions. The RFP (Request For Proposal) for empanelment of new Implementing Partners (IPs) under the SAMARTH Scheme is open till 31.03.2025.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

*****

DHANYA SANAL K

(Lok Sabha US Q2936)

(Release ID: 2113547) Visitor Counter : 67

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: SUPPORT TO SILK FARMERS AND WEARERS

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 12:53PM by PIB Delhi

The Government through implementation of Silk Samagra-2 scheme has extended support for the development of sericulture industry in the country and to increase the productivity & livelihoods of silk farmers and weavers. So far, an assistance of Rs. 1,074.94 crore has been extended to State Governments covering around 78,000 beneficiaries, for implementation of beneficiary oriented critical field level components under the scheme.

Further, under the National Handloom Development Programme and Raw Material Supply Scheme implemented by the Handloom sector, support to handloom workers including silk handloom workers is provided.

The thrust of the ongoing Silk Samagra-2 scheme is to become Aatmanirbhar in silk sector. The initiatives under Silk Samagra-2 scheme are to enhance international grade bivoltine silk production and boosting of silk exports.

The Government aims to establish India as a global leader in silk production and exports through a multi-pronged strategy focusing on production enhancement, quality improvement, infrastructure development, R&D, and market expansion.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

*****

DHANYA SANAL K

(Lok Sabha US Q2956)

(Release ID: 2113548) Visitor Counter : 67

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 14th meeting of ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism concludes in New Delhi

Source: Government of India (2)

14th meeting of ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism concludes in New Delhi

Discussions focus on evolving a comprehensive strategy to tackle terrorism & extremism

India & Malaysia assume co-chairmanship for 2024-2027 cycle; Announce Table-Top Exercise in Malaysia in 2026 & Field Training Exercise in India in 2027

Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 12:51PM by PIB Delhi

The 14^th meeting of ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism (EWG on CT) was held in New Delhi from March 19 to 20, 2025. Delegations from ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN countries (Lao PDR, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam), ADMM-Plus member states (China, USA, Russia, Australia, Japan and Republic of Korea) participated in the meeting.

During 14^th ADMM-Plus EWG on CT, the co-chairs, India and Malaysia conveyed work plan for the activities planned for the cycle 2024-2027. It announced the conduct of Table-Top Exercise for EWG on CT in Malaysia in 2026 and Field Training Exercise in India in 2027.

During the two-day meet, discussions were held to focus on evolving a robust and comprehensive strategy to tackle the evolving threat of terrorism and extremism. The meeting was aimed to share the on-ground experience of the Defence Forces of ASEAN countries and its dialogue partners. The meeting laid a foundation for the activities/exercises/meetings/ workshops planned for the current cycle.

Earlier, Myanmar and Russia, co-chairs for EWG on CT during the previous cycle for 2021-2024, handed over the co-chairmanship to India and Malaysia for the present cycle (2024-2027). India is hosting the maiden EWG meeting for the current cycle.

In the Inaugural session, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh delivered the keynote address and interacted with participating head of delegations during the opening ceremony. He stated that terrorism remains a dynamic and evolving challenge with threats increasingly transcending borders. He highlighted India’s efforts towards countering terrorism in the region, including adoption of Delhi Declaration during India’s chairmanship of Counter-Terrorism committee of the UNSC in 2022.

Joint Secretary [International Cooperation (IC)], Ministry of Defence Shri Amitabh Prasad, Additional Director General (IC), Indian Army, senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian Army’s Counter-Terrorism division participated in the event.

The Heads of Delegations of participating countries and ASEAN Secretariat also presented their views on adopting best practices for countering terrorism in the region. The delegates also visited Agra as part of the cultural tour.

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VK/Savvy

(Release ID: 2113546) Visitor Counter : 123

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Housing Authority endorses tightening of “Well-off Tenants Policies” and review of implementation details

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Housing Authority endorses tightening of “Well-off Tenants Policies” and review of implementation details
     The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) Subsidised Housing Committee (SHC) endorsed today (March 21) the tightening of “Well-off Tenants Policies” (WTP) and the rationalisation of some of the implementation details.

“The Chief Executive announced in the 2024 Policy Address that the WTP of public rental housing (PRH) will be tightened up, by raising the additional rent and lowering the income limit of well-off tenants. In this connection, the HA has reviewed various arrangements to expedite the circulation of PRH flats and encourage upward mobility of well-off tenants,” a spokesman for the HA said.

Tightening up the WTP

     Under the existing WTP, PRH tenants who have resided in PRH for 10 years or more are required to declare biennially their income, assets and whether they own domestic properties in Hong Kong. Households whose family income exceeds five times the prevailing PRH income limits (PRHILs) or with a total household net asset value exceeding 100 times the prevailing PRHILs or who have domestic property ownership in Hong Kong (applicable to all PRH households regardless of their length of residence in PRH), or refuse to make declaration should vacate their PRH flats. PRH households who do not have domestic property ownership in Hong Kong and whose household income exceeds two times and not more than three times the prevailing PRHILs, will be required to pay 1.5 times net rent plus rates; if their household income exceeds three times and not more than five times the prevailing PRHILs, they will be required to pay double net rent plus rates. These tenants may continue to reside in their PRH flats.

Raising the additional rent for well-off tenants

     In order to allocate resources properly, the SHC has endorsed reducing the subsidies for well-off tenants by raising their additional rents. Households whose family income exceeds two times and not more than three times the prevailing PRHILs will be required to pay 2.5 times net rent plus rates; households whose family income exceeds three times and not more than four times the prevailing PRHILs will be required to pay 3.5 times net rent plus rates; households whose family income exceeds four times and not more than five times the prevailing PRHILs will be required to pay 4.5 times net rent plus rates. For details, please refer to the Annex.

“With the increase in additional rents for well-off tenants, average rent to total household income of well-off tenants will account for about 11 per cent. While this is still much lower than the median rent-to-income ratio of 31.5 per cent for households renting private residential flats, it is comparable to general PRH tenants, which is more reasonable,” the spokesman said.

     The new additional rent level will take effect from the declaration cycle in October this year, and the first batch of well-off tenants will pay rent in accordance with the new additional rent level on October 1, 2026.

Adjusting the threshold for vacating PRH flats

     The SHC also endorsed that PRH tenants with income levels exceeding four times but not five times the PRHILs after two declaration cycles (i.e. four years in total) must also vacate their flats.

“This adjustment will not affect tenants whose financial condition has just begun to improve, and it will also enable better-off PRH tenants to make early arrangements for vacating their PRH flats to ensure the proper use of public housing resources,” the spokesman said.

Encourage upward mobility of well-off tenants

The SHC also endorsed the suggestions below:

(a) Starting from the next home ownership scheme (HOS) sale exercise, adjust the quota allocation ratio of Green Form (GF) and White Form (WF) to 50:50;
“Under the whole package of enhancements to the WTP, we have on the one hand reduced the subsidy for well-off tenants, and at the same time increased their chances of success in purchasing SSF. This aligns with the principles and vision of the HA in optimising the use of public housing resources and encouraging upward mobility,” the spokesman said.

Rationalising the implementation details of the WTP

Arrangements for PRH tenants who have purchased domestic properties in Hong Kong

     Under the prevailing arrangements, if an individual member of a PRH tenancy purchased an SSF using WF status or purchased private domestic property, the HA will issue a Notice To Quit to the tenant concerned for the surrender of the PRH flat, irrespective of whether or not the property concerned has been completed. As for the GF applicants, they do not need to vacate their flat before taking possession of the purchased property and can continue to pay the prevailing level of rent.

     To encourage and enable the upward mobility of PRH tenants and with the completion of more SSFs in the future, the SHC endorsed:
Enhancing the declaration arrangements of the WTP

     Under the existing declaration form under the WTP, all household members of a PRH tenancy are required to declare jointly whether they own any domestic property in Hong Kong, and all members of the household are jointly responsible for the truthfulness and accuracy of the contents of the declaration. The SHC endorsed the enhancement direction of the declaration arrangement. The HA will require each family member to declare individually whether they own any domestic property in Hong Kong under the WTP declaration, so as to identify those who has made false declarations for the purpose of taking enforcement measures. The member who has made false declarations will be subject to a five-year debarment for the application of PRH and liable to prosecutions.

     Measures related the rationalisation of the implementation details of the WTP, will be implemented from March 31, this year onwards. “Policy on Grant of New Tenancy” and “Tenancy Management Policies” adopt the same implementation criteria as the WTP, and the relevant policies will also be implemented on the same date.Issued at HKT 15:14

NNNN

Categories24-7, Asia Pacific, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Government special administrative region, MIL OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: PROMOTION OF TRADITIONAL TEXTILES
Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 12:17PM by PIB Delhi

The Government has taken various steps to preserve and promote traditional textile Industry of Handlooms. Design Resource Centres have been set up in Weavers’ Service Centres at Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Kancheepuram, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Meerut, Nagpur and Panipat to preserve traditional handloom designs, and to build and create design-oriented excellence in the Handloom Sector.

Ministry of Textiles is also seeking protection of traditional designs and patterns under the Geographical Indication (GI) Act, 1999. This Ministry provides financial assistance for registering the designs/products under the GI Act and for organizing seminars, workshops etc., for awareness creation.

Several States, including, West Bengal are rich in traditional textiles of Handlooms.

An all-India census was conducted in the year 2019 to determine number of Handloom Weavers, and ascertain the areas rich in traditional textiles i.e. Handlooms.

To promote the Handloom sector, Ministry of Textiles is implementing the following schemes across the country:
1. National Handloom Development Programme;
2. Raw Material Supply Scheme;
Under the above schemes, financial assistance is provided to the eligible handloom agencies/weavers for raw materials, common infrastructure development, marketing of handloom products in domestic/overseas markets, Weaver MUDRA Loans etc.

In addition to the above,
- Under Weaver MUDRA/Concessional Credit Scheme, margin money assistance at 20% of the loan amount subject to a maximum of Rs. 25,000/- for individual weaver/Weaver Entrepreneur and Rs. 20 lakh for Handloom Organizations, interest subvention upto 7% and credit guarantee fees on loans for a period of three years are provided.
- Steps have been taken to on-board weavers and artisans on Government e-Market (GeM) place to enable them sell their products directly to various Government Departments and organizations. So far about 1.50 lakh weavers have been on-boarded on the GeM portal.
- Weavers are facilitated to sell their products online through indiahandmade portal and 23 e-commerce platforms have been associated by Ministry of Textiles under a policy framework.
- For export promotion of handloom products, Handloom Export Promotion Council has been organizing International Fairs. During the year 2023-24, various international marketing fairs/events have been organised. Besides, domestic marketing events were also organised in different parts of the country for the weavers to market and sell their products.
- To enhance productivity, marketing capabilities and ensure better incomes, 160 Handloom Producer companies have been formed in different States.
Funds are not allocated State-wise. The funds are released based on receipt of proposals from the State Governments and other Handloom organisations.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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DHANYA SANAL K

(Lok Sabha US Q2979)

(Release ID: 2113537) Visitor Counter : 29

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –
March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: JOB CREATION IN TEXTILE INDUSTRY

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 12:16PM by PIB Delhi

The textile industry is one of the largest source of employment generation in the country directly employing more than 45 million persons. The Government of India is implementing various schemes/initiatives aimed at generating the employment opportunities in the textile sector. The major schemes/initiatives include PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks Scheme which seeks to create a modern, integrated large scale, world class industrial ecosystem, which will help in attracting investments and boosting employment; Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme focusing on Man Made Fibre & Apparel, and Technical Textiles to boost large scale manufacturing and enhancing competitiveness; National Technical Textiles Mission focusing on Research Innovation & Development, Promotion and Market Development, Skilling and Export Promotion; SAMARTH – Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector with the objective providing demand driven, placement oriented, skilling program; Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS) to incentivize technology upgradation and modernization through capital investment subsidy for eligible investment in benchmarked textile machinery; Silk Samagra-2 for comprehensive development of sericulture value chain and National Handloom Development Programme.

To develop integrated large scale and modern industrial infrastructure facility for entire value-chain of the textile industry, the Government has finalised 7 sites viz. Tamil Nadu (Virudhnagar), Telangana (Warangal), Gujarat (Navsari), Karnataka (Kalaburagi), Madhya Pradesh (Dhar), Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) and Maharashtra (Amravati) for setting up PM MITRA Parks. These parks aims to enable the textile industry to become globally competitive, attract large investment and boost employment generation including women and marginalised communities in the textile sector.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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DHANYA SANAL K

(Lok Sabha US Q2985)

(Release ID: 2113534) Visitor Counter : 24

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: PROGRAMMES IMPLEMENTED UNDER NCDPD

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 12:18PM by PIB Delhi

The office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) under the aegis of Ministry of Textiles implements two schemes namely National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS). Under these schemes various kind of skill programmes are implemented such as Guru Shishya Hastshilp Prashikshan Programme (GSHPP), Comprehensive Skill Upgradation Programme (CSUP), Design and Technology Development Workshop (DDW) to enhance the productivity of artisans. Through these training programmes basic skilling, design development and upskilling is done. In addition, tool kits are also provided to the craftsmen/ artisans to compete in domestic and global markets.

The number of programmes implemented and artisan benefitted by National Design Centre (NDC) erstwhile known as National Centre for Design and Product Development (NCDPD) during the last five years including current year are given as under:

Year	No of programmes	No. of beneficiaries
2020-21	02 Programmes: Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) at Idukki, Kerala.	40
	5 Design Development Workshop	250
	5 Improved Tool Kits Distribution Programme	150
	Total	440
2021-22	40 Programmes: EDP at Agra, Firozabad, Jodhpur, Kanya Kumari & Saharanpur	800
	22 Design Development Workshop	540
	1 Improved Tool Kits Distribution Programme	45
	Total	1,385
2022-23	Improved Toolkits distribution Programme	79
2023-24	15 Programmes: EDP at Jaipur, Indore, Varanasi, Chitrakoot, Asharikandi, Kondapalli, Kinhal, Koppal, Etikopakka Cuddappa	300
	5 Design Development Workshop	150
	4 Improved Tool Kits Distribution Programme	400
	Total	850
2024-25	11 Design Development Workshop	330
	1 Improved Tool Kits Distribution Programme	50
	6 Comprehensive Skill Upgradation Programme	180
	Total	560

The Ministry of Textiles provides human resource development in textile sector through NTTM & SAMARTH scheme. NTTM (Component IV), aims to provide training to 50,000 individuals encompassing undergraduates, unskilled workers, professionals seeking upskilling or re-skilling, and personnel engaged in the various application areas of technical textiles. SAMARTH scheme, aims to provide demand driven, placement oriented National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) compliant skilling programmes to incentivize and supplement the efforts of the industry in creating jobs in the organized textile and related sectors, covering the entire value chain of textiles, excluding Spinning and Weaving. A budgetary allocation of Rs. 330 crores have been made under the scheme for the FY 2025-26.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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DHANYA SANAL K

(Lok Sabha US Q2917)

(Release ID: 2113536) Visitor Counter : 33

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: INVESTMENTS IN TEXTILE SECTOR

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 12:16PM by PIB Delhi

As per Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) data, invested capital in manufacturing of textiles and manufacturing of apparels in 2000-01 was Rs. 66,45,908 lakh while the corresponding figure for 2021-22 was Rs. 3,15,10,814 lakh. The share of total invested capital in the textile sector was of the total manufacturing sector for 2000-01 was 11.60% while the corresponding figure for 2021-22 was 5.68%. The total invested capital for the year 2022-23 as per ASI data is Rs. 3,65,07,663 lakh.

Exports is a function of demand and supply and depends on a large number of factors such as global demand, order flow, logistics etc. Further, Export of Textiles & Apparel (T&A) Including Handicrafts for FY 2023-24 and April-December 2024 for FY 2024-25 is as under:

(Value in USD Million)

Commodity

FY 2023-24

FY (2024-25) Apr-Dec 2024

Total T&A including Handicrafts

35,874

27,430

% Share in Total Exports

8.21%

8.5%

In order to promote growth and development of the textile sector including exports, the Government is implementing various schemes/initiatives including PM-MITRA, Scheme for Integrated Textile Park (SITP), Integrated Processing Development Scheme (IPDS), Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), SAMARTH Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector ATUFS, Silk Samagra-2, National Handloom Development Program (NHDP) and National Handicraft Development Program (NHDP) etc.

To boost textile and apparel exports, the Government provides financial support under Market Access Initiative Scheme to various Export Promotion Councils and Trade Bodies engaged in promotion and branding of textiles and garments exports, for organizing and participating in trade fairs, exhibitions buyer-seller meets etc. at national and international levels. Besides, the Government is implementing scheme for Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSTCL) on exports of Apparel/Garments an Made-ups to boost export of textiles products.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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DHANYA SANAL K

(Lok Sabha US Q2877)

(Release ID: 2113535) Visitor Counter : 27

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: IMPROVING TEXTILE EXPORTS
Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 12:15PM by PIB Delhi

India is ranked among the top textile exporting countries in the world with a share of approx. 4% of global textiles and apparel exports. The export of Textile & Apparel including Handicrafts has increased by 7% in April-December 2024 with respect to same period previous year. Major textile and apparel export destinations for India are USA, EU and UK with around 53% share in total textile and apparel exports in FY 2023-24.

The Government is implementing various schemes/initiatives to promote Indian textiles. The major schemes/initiatives include PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks Scheme to create a modern, integrated, world class textile infrastructure; Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme focusing on MMF Fabric, MMF Apparel and Technical Textiles to boost large scale manufacturing and enhancing competitiveness; National Technical Textiles Mission focusing on Research Innovation & Development, Promotion and Market Development; SAMARTH – Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector with the objective providing demand driven, placement oriented, skilling program; Silk Samagra-2 for comprehensive development of sericulture value chain; National Handloom Development Program for end to end support for handloom sector. Ministry of Textiles is also implementing National Handicrafts Development Programme and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme for promotion of handicrafts.

The Indian textiles industry is one of the largest in the world with a large raw material base of natural fibre including cotton, silk, wool, jute as well as manmade fibre and manufacturing strength across the value chain from fibre to fabric to garments.

With a view to ensure a consistent supply of cotton in the country and have a sustained interest of farmers in cotton cultivation, Government of India is declaring Minimum Support Price (MSP) of cotton every year. This mechanism ensures that farmers receive a fair remunerative price for their produce in the event market prices of cotton falls below the MSP rates and also facilitates the availability of cotton at competitive prices.

With effect from 20th February 2024, the custom duty on Extra-Long Staple (ELS) Cotton has been reduced to NIL. Under the India-Australia ECTA, 51,000 tonnes of duty free ELS Cotton can be imported since Dec 29, 2022.

In order to increase the export potential, India has so far signed 14 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) including recently concluded agreement with UAE, Australia and TEPA with EFTA countries comprising Switzerland, Iceland, Norway & Liechtenstein; and 6 Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) with various trading partners.

The Government is also implementing Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme for Apparel/Garments and Made-ups in order to enhance competitiveness by adopting principle of zero rated exports. Further, textiles products not covered under the RoSCTL scheme are covered under Remissions of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) along with other products. In addition, Government provides financial support to various Export Promotion Councils and Trade Bodies under Market Access Initiative Scheme implemented by Department of Commerce for organising and participating in trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer-seller meets etc at national and international levels to boost export.

With a view to boost technical textiles sector in the country, National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) was launched for a period from 2020-21 to 2025-26. The mission focusses on fundamental research in thrust areas of speciality fibre like Carbon Fibre, Aramid Fibre, Nylon Fibre, and Composites & application-based research in geotextiles, agro-textiles, medical textiles, mobile textiles and sports textiles and development of biodegradable technical textiles. For research in sustainable & biodegradable technical textiles, projects have been approved for research in non-conventional natural fibres like, Milk Weed, Bamboo Fibre, etc.

As far as innovation in textiles sector is concerned, Ministry of Textiles has conducted an Innovation Challenges in collaboration with Startup India & DPIIT. In this challenge, 9 winners were recognised and awarded and Incubation opportunity to 6 awardees were given through this Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). Apart from this, 3 separate innovations challenges were conducted by nature fibre boards on their respective problem statements i.e.
- NJB Technological Innovation Grand Challenge in which 3 winners were recognised and awarded out of 125 applicants.
- CSB Start-up Grand Challenge in which 4 winners were recognised and awarded out of 58 applicants.
- CWDB Wool Innovation Challenge in which 3 winners were recognised and awarded out of 24 applicants.
17 of the above-mentioned winners are directly engage activities such as textile waste recycling, bio-based fibres or sustainable garment production.

The Government is regularly monitoring exports and imports and engaging with the industry in this regard. The Government has imposed Minimum Import Price of USD 3.50 per kg on Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) codes under the heading 6,006, in order to control import of low rate and low-quality knitted fabrics. In the budget announcement, custom duty was revised on HSN under heading 6,006. Various QCOs have been imposed to curb imports of low-quality non-standard goods which allows protection to domestic producers.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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DHANYA SANAL K

(Lok Sabha US Q2873)

(Release ID: 2113532) Visitor Counter : 23

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –
March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: WOMEN WEAVERS
Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 12:15PM by PIB Delhi

As per 4^thAll India Handloom Census 2019-20, there are 2,11,327 women weavers in the State of Manipur.

Women weavers play a vital role in the handloom sector. In order to encourage them, the Ministry of Textiles provides additional incentives to them to sustain and augment their business. Some of the benefits provided to the women weavers across the country including Manipur are:
- Under schemes of handloom sector, preference is given to programmes which have weavers from women category.
- There is 100% subsidy to BPL/SC/ST/Women/Transgender/Differently-abled weavers for construction of work sheds under National Handloom Development Programme.
- Since 2016, Kamladevi Chattopadhyay Award has been instituted specifically for women weavers.
Besides, Ministry of Textiles is implementing central sector schemes such as (i) National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) and (ii) Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS) to promote handlooms and for welfare of handloom weavers including women weavers of Manipur across the country. Under these schemes, financial assistance is provided to eligible handloom agencies/weavers for raw materials, procurement of upgraded looms & accessories, solar lighting units, construction of workshed, skilling, product & design development, technical and common infrastructure, marketing, concessional loans under weavers’ MUDRA scheme and social security etc.

Weavers’ Service Centre, Imphal is catering to upgrade skills of handloom weavers in Manipur.

The following 3 Handloom products from the State of Manipur have been registered under Geographical Indication (GI) Act 1999:

Sl. No.

Name of Handloom Product

Registration date

1

Shaphee Lamphee

31.03.2014

2

Wangkhei Phee

31.03.2014

3

Moirang Phee

31.03.2014

Three Handloom products of Manipur viz. Manipur Lashing phee, Manipur Leirum phi and Manipur Tangkhul Handloom shawl (Changkhom, Raivat Kachon) have been identified for registration under the Act.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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DHANYA SANAL K

(Lok Sabha US Q2830)

(Release ID: 2113533) Visitor Counter : 23

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –
March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: INPUT MATERIALS FOR DOMESTIC INDUSTRY

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 12:14PM by PIB Delhi

Quality Control Orders (QCOs) are regulatory measures implemented by the Government to ensure quality of certain products in the market in public interest for Protection of human, animal or plant health, Safety of environment, Prevention of unfair and trade practices and National security after due consultation with the stakeholders including industry.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification process is same for all domestic manufacturers irrespective of their scale i.e. Large, Medium, Small & Micro. However, BIS gives certain relaxation/concession to the domestic manufacturers in the MSME sector for ease of compliance to the BIS certification. Further, in order to protect the interest of Small and Micro

Enterprises, the Ministry of Textiles also provide extended timelines for compliance with the Quality Control Orders (QCOs), wherever applicable.

The Ministry of Textiles has notified 76 Textiles products under compulsory BIS certification through Quality Control Orders (QCOs) under the provisions of BIS Act, 2016. These QCOs are equally applicable to domestic manufacturers as well as foreign manufacturers including Bangladesh and Vietnam who want to export such material to India.

In order to ensure quality products to the consumers and prevent import of substandard Material; Quality Control Orders (QCOs) are imposed on man-made fibers/yarns. However, to ensure competitiveness of Indian Exporters, exemptions from mandatory Quality Control Orders (QCOs) are available for imports intended for export production under specific schemes, such as Advance Authorizations, by Export Oriented Units (EOUs), and in Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

Further, the Government constantly engages with textiles industry and other stakeholders to deliberate on various matters in the textiles sector, including inter alia quality consciousness, Quality Control Orders (QCOs) etc. Government has also constituted Textile Advisory Groups on Manmade fibre and cotton comprising all stakeholders to discuss and resolve issues related to the entire value chain.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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DHANYA SANAL K

(Lok Sabha US Q2833)

(Release ID: 2113530) Visitor Counter : 24

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: HIGHTECH APPAREL AND WEAVING PARKS

Source: Government of India (2)

Ministry of Textiles

PARLIAMENT QUESTION: HIGHTECH APPAREL AND WEAVING PARKS

Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 12:14PM by PIB Delhi

With a view to attract investment, boost employment generation and position itself strongly in the global market, the Government has approved setting up of 7 (Seven) PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks in Greenfield/Brownfield sites with world class infrastructure including plug and play facility with an outlay of Rs. 4,445 Cr for a period of 2021-22 to 2027-28.

The Government has finalized 7 sites viz. Tamil Nadu (Virudhnagar), Telangana (Warangal), Gujarat (Navsari), Karnataka (Kalaburagi), Madhya Pradesh (Dhar), Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow), Maharashtra (Amravati) for setting up of PM MITRA Parks.

Apart from this, with a view to increasing investments, generating employment opportunities and boosting exports in textile sector, the Ministry is implementing Scheme for Integrated Textile Park (SITP) to provide support for setting up textile parks with world-class, state-of-the-art infrastructure in textile hubs across the country. The scheme was in implementation upto 31.03.2021; however, the Scheme has now been subsumed under the umbrella Scheme of Textile Cluster Development Scheme (TCDS) for completing ongoing projects only. No proposal for setting up of Textile Park under SITP in the State of West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar is pending in the Ministry.

Information on State-wise fund utilization under SITP/TCDS is in below:

S. N.	Name of the park	State	Total Govt grant released (In Rs. crores)	Employment (in number)	Investment (in Rs. cr)	Units Operational (In number)	Park Status
1	Brandix India Apparel City Private Limited	Andhra Pradesh	40.00	19,000	850	14	Completed
2	Gujarat Eco Textile Park Limited, Surat	Gujarat	40.00	10,370	1,260	34	Completed
3	Mundra SEZ Textile & Apparel Park Limited	Gujarat	40.00	810	960	7	Completed
4	Fairdeal Textile Park Pvt. Ltd., Surat	Gujarat	40.00	1850	256	22	Completed
5	Vraj Integrated Textile Park Limited , Ahmedabad	Gujarat	40.00	4350	1500	15	Completed
6	Sayana Textile Park Ltd.,Surat	Gujarat	36.00	1420	233	50	Completed
7	Surat Super Yarn Park Limited, Surat	Gujarat	40.00	0	150	8	Completed
8	RJD Integrated Textile Park, Surat	Gujarat	40.00	7,220	272	372	Completed
9	Amitara Green High Tech Textile Park Pvt Ltd.	Gujarat	40.00	1,360	704.91	10	Completed
10	Himachal Textile Park	Himachal Pradesh	34.88	1,456	271.82	6	Foreclosed
11	Doddabalapur Integrated Textile Park	Karnataka	32.01	550	105	42	Completed
12	Metro Hi-Tech Cooperative Park Limited	Maharashtra	40.00	2024	379	27	Completed
13	Baramati Hi Tech Textile Park Limited	Maharashtra	40.00	3,000	200	14	Completed
14	Deesan Infrastructure, Pvt Ltd.	Maharashtra	40.00	1,700	194.34	50	Completed
15	Islampur Integrated Textile Park Pvt Ltd.	Maharashtra	40.00	1,645	637.54	7	Completed
16	Latur Integrated Textile Park Pvt Ltd	Maharashtra	40.00	0	175	0	Completed
17	Asmeeta Infratech Pvt Ltd	Maharashtra	40.00	17,300	375.74	535	Completed
18	Pride India cooperative Textile park Limited	Maharashtra	20.95	8,525	317	155	Completed
19	Hinganghat Textile Park	Maharashtra	40.00	1,022	95	12	Completed
20	Lotus Integrated Tex Park	Punjab	40.00	1,500	500	7	Completed
21	Rhythm Textile & Apparel Park Ltd	Punjab	36.00	1,875	120	9	Foreclosed
22	Ludhiana Integrated Textile Park Ltd	Punjab	36.00	2,790	148.62	13	Foreclosed
23	Next Gen Textile Park Pvt Ltd , Pali	Rajasthan	40.00	4,910	409	18	Completed
24	Kishangarh Hi-Tech Textile Weaving Park Ltd	Rajasthan	36.00	812	238	25	Foreclosed
25	Jaipur Integrated Texcraft Park Pvt Ltd	Rajasthan	24.06	500	64.67	16	Completed
26	Palladam Hi-Tech Weaving park, Palladam	Tamil Nadu	22.17	2650	170	90	Completed
27	Komarapalayam Hi-Tech Weaving Park	Tamil Nadu	12.54	853	97.2	56	Completed
28	Karur Integrated Textile Park, Karur Park	Tamil Nadu	40.00	5,000	170	35	Completed
29	Madurai Integrated Textile Park Ltd	Tamil Nadu	31.43	2,551	275	17	Completed
30	Pochampally Handloom Park Limited	Telangana	13.60	350	55	189	Completed
31	Hindupur Vyapar Apparel Park Limited	Andhra Pradesh	24.00	500	60	3	Under implementation
32	Tarakeshwara Textile Park	Andhra Pradesh	20.00	465	144.93	4	Under implementation
33	Guntur Textile Park, Guntur	Andhra Pradesh	30.00	690	143.27	13	Under implementation
34	Prag Jyoti Textile Park, Darrang	Assam	20.00	0	15.62	0	Under implementation
35	Kejriwal Integrated Textile Park	Gujarat	36.00	1,982	425	8	Under implementation
36	Palsana ITP Park, Surat	Gujarat	30.00	326	101.63	8	Under implementation
37	Ichhapore Textile Park, Surat	Gujarat	20.00	80	140.02	4	Under implementation
38	Karanj Integrated Textile Park	Gujarat	20.00	839	327.02	19	Under implementation
39	Shahlon Textile Park	Gujarat	10.00	110	92.46	2	Under implementation
40	J&K Textile Park, Kathua	J&K	35.73	45	106.1	2	Under implementation
41	Purna Global Textiles Park	Maharashtra	22.03	1108	150	47	Under implementation
42	Kallappanna Awade Textile Park	Maharashtra	27.47	2923	421.85	133	Under implementation
43	Satyaraj Integrated Textile Park	Maharashtra	35.00	1732	254.84	28	Under implementation
44	Shree Ganesh Textile Park	Maharashtra	15.00	35	30.97	1	Under implementation
45	Perarignar Anna Handloom Silk Park	Tamil Nadu	19.81	812	50.82	10	Under implementation
46	Pallavada Textile Park	Tamil Nadu	10.00	825	51	3	Under implementation
47	The Great Indian Linen & Textile	Tamil Nadu	12.00	170	47	7	Under implementation
48	White Gold Textile Park	Telangana	32.48	675	202	10	Under implementation
49	EIGMEF Apparel Park Ltd.	West Bengal	31.61	0	73	0	Under implementation
50	West Bengal Hosiery Textile Park, Howrah	West Bengal	25.25	1970	607	21	Under implementation
	Total		1,532.02	1,22,680	14,628.37	2,178

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

****

DHANYA SANAL K

(Lok Sabha US Q2848)

(Release ID: 2113531)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Bureau of Indian Standards launch Annual Programme for Standardisation 2025-26

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 21 MAR 2025 11:50AM by PIB Delhi

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standards Body of India, is set to release the Annual Programme for Standardisation (APS) for the year 2025-26. This follows stakeholder consultations conducted by BIS from March 5 to March 11, 2025 where representatives from 40 ministries and 84 industry associations participated and shared valuable insights and recommendations through brief presentations. The APS 2025-26 will include both new standards to be developed and existing standards to be revised in the coming year. BIS has also introduced a digital interface that allows stakeholders to upload proposals and track their progress. This effort aligns with sustained efforts to boost the adoption rate of the more than 23,000 standards developed by BIS, ensuring globally accepted quality across various sectors.

Addressing the stakeholder meeting recently, Director General of BIS, Shri Pramod Kumar Tiwari, urged representatives from ministries and industry associations to contribute actively to the development of the proposed standards and to nominate relevant experts whenever needed. He stated, “The Annual Programme for Standardisation 2025-26 will not only facilitate need-based standardisation with a focused strategic approach, ensuring that priority is given to subjects of special concern, but will also promote widespread adoption and seamless implementation of these standards.”

BIS works closely with ministries and industry associations through standardisation cells, aiming to identify gaps and participate in the formulation of national standards. Before the consultative meetings for preparing the APS for 2025-26, BIS conducted a comprehensive mapping exercise of Indian standards against various Government of India schemes and missions, along with a series of focus group meetings from August 24 to January 25.

The APS 2025-26 is expected to significantly enhance the formulation of priority standards, promoting wider adoption and seamless implementation across the manufacturing and service sectors.

******

Abhishek Dayal/Nihi Sharma

(Release ID: 2113528) Visitor Counter : 121

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Income and asset limits for public rental housing for 2025/26

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Income and asset limits for public rental housing for 2025/26
The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA)’s Subsidised Housing Committee (SHC) today (March 21) discussed the outcome of the review of income and asset limits for public rental housing (PRH) for 2025/26, and endorsed the proposed income and asset limits for applicants of different household sizes. The adjusted limits will take effect from April 1, 2025 (as detailed in Annex).

“The PRH income and asset limits are reviewed annually according to the established mechanism. In accordance with the established formula, the SHC endorsed adjusting the PRH income and asset limits for 2025/26 upwards for all household sizes, both increasing by an average of 1.7 per cent overall,” a spokesman for the HA said.

PRH income limits are derived using a household expenditure approach, which consists of housing costs and non-housing costs, plus a 5 per cent contingency provision. Housing costs, which measure the costs of renting a private flat comparable to PRH, depend on the unit rents of private accommodation per square metre and reference flat sizes (i.e. average space of flats allocated to PRH applicants in the past three years). Non-housing costs are determined with reference to the results of the latest Household Expenditure Survey conducted by the Census and Statistics Department, and adjusted in the intervening years by the latest movement in the Consumer Price Index (CPI)(A) (excluding housing costs), or the change in the nominal wage index as the income factor, whichever is higher. As regards the PRH asset limits, they are adjusted with reference to movements in CPI(A) over the year.

Issued at HKT 14:20

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Categories24-7, Asia Pacific, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Government special administrative region, MIL OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong’s air quality continues to improve, bringing over 50 per cent reduction in long-term health risks

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong’s air quality continues to improve, bringing over 50 per cent reduction in long-term health risks
Hong Kong’s overall air quality in 2024 remained good and broadly complied with Hong Kong’s Air Quality Objectives. Owing to the efforts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government over the years, Hong Kong’s air quality has continued to improve over the past 20 years, resulting in over a 50 per cent reduction in long-term health risks.

From 2004 to 2024, the annual average concentrations of respirable suspended particulates (PM10), fine suspended particulates (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) in the ambient air have reduced by 45 per cent to 88 per cent, whereas the annual average concentrations of these pollutants at the roadside have reduced by 36 per cent to 88 per cent. The annual average concentration of ozone (O3) has also gradually turned steady in the past few years (see Annex 1 for details). The number of hours of reduced visibility has greatly reduced by 82 per cent from its level in 2004 (Annex 2).

The EPD launched the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) in 2014 to provide the public with daily updates on short-term health risks of air pollution, enabling the individuals to take necessary precautions to safeguard their health. In 2024, the percentage of hourly AQHI readings below 7 (i.e. within the “low” or “moderate” health risk categories) recorded by general and roadside monitoring stations improved from 96.1 per cent and 92.1 per cent when the index was first launched in 2014 to 98.7 per cent and 98.9 per cent, respectively.

Despite the increase in regional ozone levels, the significant improvement in Hong Kong’s air quality has resulted in a continuous reduction in the associated long-term health risks. From 2004 to 2024, the improvement in air quality has led to over a 50 per cent reduction in long-term health risks (Annex 3).

Making reference to health risk data from hospital admissions associated with air pollutants over the past decade, the EPD will update the relevant risk factors assigned to relevant air pollutants. The EPD will also update the compilation methods of AQHI with reference to the latest guideline levels for air pollutants as set out in the latest air quality guidelines published by the World Health Organization, thereby providing more accurate information and warning forecast. The updated AQHI will come into effect on March 22, 2025. Detailed information on the updates will be made available to the public via the dedicated AQHI website www.aqhi.gov.hk/en/index.htmlIssued at HKT 14:12

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Categories24-7, Asia Pacific, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Government special administrative region, MIL OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The World is looking towards India and India presents a significant competitive advantage: Shri Jayant Chaudhary

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 20 MAR 2025 9:14PM by PIB Bhubaneshwar

The National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), under the aegis of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship successfully concluded its two-day Capacity Building Workshop titled “Catalyzing Entrepreneurial Growth: Enhancing Financial Inclusion, Market Access, and Digital Competence” on March 20, 2025.

The workshop brought together a diverse group of participants who engaged in insightful discussions on overcoming barriers to entrepreneurship, such as limited access to finance, market constraints, and low adoption of digital tools. Expert-led panel discussions and practical facilitation sessions provided valuable insights into leveraging government financial schemes, institutional credit options, venture capital investments, and alternative financing models to support business expansion.

The valedictory session of the workshop commenced in the august presence of Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C), for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India as the Chief Guest and Shri Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education, Government of Odisha as the guest of honor. Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE, Government of India and Shri Manoj Ahuja, Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha also addressed the entrepreneurs during the session.

Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C), for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, during his address, said “The world is eyeing India for the quality of its products, its citizens, and its businesses, which presents a significant competitive advantage. Our industries must focus on product quality to distinguish themselves globally. To achieve this, industries need to invest in entrepreneurs and support them in every possible way for our economy to progress. Our recent Union Budget 2025 has emphasized initiatives targeting women and underserved categories, with loan sanctions of around ₹10,000 crore under the Fund of Funds (FoF) made accessible for them to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys. The government has implemented various schemes to assist citizens in pursuing their dreams, but these will only be effective if we learn to utilize them as our right.

This two-day training session will catalyze the entrepreneurial spirit in budding entrepreneurs and help them gain a deeper understanding on the government initiatives, financial literacy, market access, and digital competence.”

The workshop was attended by more than 100 entrepreneurs from Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh with most of the entrepreneurs being trained under the SANKALP programme of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The attendees reported significant gain in their understanding of financial management and funding opportunities. The participants were provided with actionable roadmaps for scaling their ventures and strengthened networks that will aid them in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape. The entrepreneurs were also felicitated by the Shri Jayant Chaudhary during the valedictory session.

The two-day workshop was structured with engaging panel discussions and practical sessions that focused on enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem through capacity building of the budding entrepreneurs. The first panel, Building a Strong Entrepreneurial Ecosystem – Challenges & Opportunities, included insights from Shri Durga Prasad Gouda, CEO of Atal Incubation Centre, NIT; Shri Sudhanshu Mohanty, Senior Vice President of the Orissa Chambers of Commerce; Ms. Surekha Routray, Founder & CEO of Aashdit Nutritech Pvt Ltd; and Shri Rashmi Ranjan, Managing Partner of Autosave Startup Studio.

The second panel, Strengthening Entrepreneurial Ecosystem – Access to Finance, Credit Linkages and Government Schemes, that featured Shri Deepak Anand, IAS, Secretary cum CEO of Bihar Skill Development Mission; Prof. Mahadeo P. Jaiswal, Director of IIM Sambalpur; and Shri Nigam Das, Deputy CEO of Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS), created awareness of government schemes and the ways in which they can be leveraged by the entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. The panels were moderated by Dr. Poonam Sinha, Director, NIESBUD.

An additional session on Digital Growth Strategies led by Shri Anuj Kumar from GeM and Shri Sasank Patro from Sabhvasha Retail Tech Pvt Ltd., provided actionable insights to the entrepreneurs on utilizing platforms like GeM and ONDC for market expansion and a third panel engaged in conversations on Credit Linkages & Financial Inclusion, featuring Smt. Shubha Sharma, IAS, Principal Secretary, Women and Child Development, Govt. of Odisha and other financial experts who offered guidance on accessing government-backed financial schemes essential for entrepreneurs’ growth.

A Memorandum of Understanding was also exchanged between NIESBUD and IIM Sambalpur with the objective of furthering the entrepreneurial climate in the state of Odisha.

The initiative aligns with India’s vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat by promoting inclusive entrepreneurship that is digitally enabled. A follow-up mechanism will be established to track the implementation of learnings from the workshop and assess their impact on entrepreneurship development in the region.

***

PIB Bhubaneshwar | AKM/SSP/PKC

(Release ID: 2113465) Visitor Counter : 43

Read this release in: Odia

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Modifications to road works for public housing developments at San Hing Road and Hong Po Road in Tuen Mun gazetted

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Modifications to road works for public housing developments at San Hing Road and Hong Po Road in Tuen Mun gazettedG/F, Harbour Building,
38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong2/F, Tuen Mun Government Offices,
1 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun, New Territories6/F, Tuen Mun Government Offices,
1 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun, New TerritoriesIssued at HKT 12:12

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Categories24-7, Asia Pacific, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Government special administrative region, MIL OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Zoological Park celebrates World Sparrow Day

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 20 MAR 2025 9:00PM by PIB Delhi

The National Zoological Park celebrated World Sparrow Day today with a series of events designed to raise awareness about the significance of sparrows and their role in the environment.

The day’s activities began with an energetic zoo walk, where 127 School students marched from the main entrance to the fountain area, chanting slogans and participating in a sparrow count. This interactive experience emphasized the importance of these birds in our daily lives.

Students also attended an educational talk at the zoo’s amphitheatre, where they learned more about sparrows, their habitats, and the vital role they play in ecosystems. This session was designed to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for sparrow conservation.

Trainees from the Telangana State Forest Academy took part in a specialized program that included a field visit and discussions with zoo officials. This provided them with practical insights and skills to enhance their conservation efforts.

100 sparrow nests were also distributed to students and visitors. This initiative allowed attendees to actively contribute to the preservation of sparrow habitats, further reinforcing the zoo’s commitment to public education and environmental stewardship.

The celebration of World Sparrow Day at the National Zoological Park concluded on a high note, leaving a lasting impression on the community and highlighting the zoo’s dedication to sparrow conservation and environmental awareness.

*****

VM/GS

(Release ID: 2113505) Visitor Counter : 6

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Advance online booking for 60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong – “Dancing Water Drops Exhibition” opens

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Advance online booking for 60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong – “Dancing Water Drops Exhibition” opens
The exhibition features a set of large-scale “Dancing Water Drops” installations created by internationally acclaimed artist Simon Ma, using water drops as a core concept to symbolise inclusion and vitality. The installation has previously been displayed in Venice, Rome, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Dubai, garnering widespread cultural resonance. The installation comprises two giant water drop sculptures at heights of 28.8m and 18.8m respectively, as well as hundreds of small never-fall water drop sculptures, representing unity and inclusion. The small water drops represent children’s participation from different regions, fostering cultural diversity and inclusion.

Details of the exhibition:

Exhibition period:Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 1pm to 10.50pm Advance online booking through the event webpage is required. Each person is allowed to book no more than one session (lasting 20 minutes) at a maximum of five quotas each day. Visitors who have successfully made a booking should arrive at the venue within their chosen time slot and present the confirmation message to on-site staff for admission. They must follow the visiting route recommended by on-site staff. The entrance to the exhibition is located at Tamar Park, near the East Wing of the Central Government Offices. Members of the public are advised to use the footbridge outside the Admiralty Centre to access the venue.

If Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 is in force, with the likelihood of hoisting Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above, or if the Black Rainstorm Signal or extreme conditions are in force, the “Dancing Water Drops Exhibition” will be temporarily closed, depending on the situation. Relevant bookings will be cancelled automatically. Affected visitors are required to make a new booking for their visit. Relevant information will be released through the event webpage.
Issued at HKT 12:00

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Proposed sewerage works for site formation and infrastructure works for public housing developments at San Hing Road and Hong Po Road, Tuen Mun authorised

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Proposed sewerage works for site formation and infrastructure works for public housing developments at San Hing Road and Hong Po Road, Tuen Mun authorised
The sewerage works comprise the following:
Details of the sewerage works were published in the Government Gazette on January 26, 2024, and February 2, 2024.
Issued at HKT 12:00

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Categories24-7, Asia Pacific, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Government special administrative region, MIL OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ROAD PROJECTS UNDER PM-GATI SHAKTI

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 20 MAR 2025 9:24PM by PIB Delhi

The Government in Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is primarily responsible for development and maintenance of National Highways (NHs), including National Expressways. All the NHs development projects, including development of access-controlled High-Speed Corridors (HSC) / Expressways are planned in line with PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP) Principles.

National HSCs / Expressways in about 2,474 km length have been operationalized, State / Union Territory (UT) – wise details of which are as under:

Four National HSCs / Expressways (Hyderabad – Vishakhapatnam, Solapur – Kurnool – Chennai, Indore – Hyderabad and Nagpur – Vijayawada Corridors) in about 779 km length in the State of Telangana are under development, out of which 415 km length has been constructed.

The Government has taken number of steps to expedite the completion of projects in the country, including for the State of Telangana. These include:

a. Project planning including preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) mandated on PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP) Portal

b. Awarding projects after adequate preparation in terms of Land Acquisition (LA) and preconstruction activities

c. Streamlining LA process & environment clearances

d. Simplified procedure for approval of GAD (General Arrangement Drawing) by Railways

e. Promoting Contractor’s Ecosystem by rationalising the projects and contract documents

f. Revamping dispute resolution mechanism

g. Relaxations in contract provisions under “Atmanirbhar Bharat” to improve liquidity of funds

h. Periodic reviews of projects at various levels

This information was given by the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

***

GDH / HR

(Release ID: 2113493) Visitor Counter : 10

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CONSTRUCTION OF NHs IN NORTH EASTERN STATES

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 20 MAR 2025 9:20PM by PIB Delhi

The development and maintenance of National Highways (NHs) in the country, including the North Eastern (NE) States and NHs in border areas, is a continuous process. Works are accordingly taken up based on inter-se priority, traffic density and synergy with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP).

There are 16 numbers of NHs in the border areas with China, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh in NE States of the country.

Total 468 numbers of developmental works were implemented on NHs in NE States including NHs in border areas during the last five years having aggregate length of 9,337 km at a total cost of Rs. 1,51,246 crore, out of which 232 number of works have been completed and remaining 236 works are scheduled for completion by 2028.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

***

GDH / HR

(Release ID: 2113492) Visitor Counter : 13

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Over 3 100 quality job vacancies to be offered at Job Fair for Middle-aged and Elderly Employment

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Over 3 100 quality job vacancies to be offered at Job Fair for Middle-aged and Elderly Employment
     About 60 organisations will participate in the two-day job fair, offering over 3 100 quality job vacancies from various industries, among which more than 2 000 are from catering, retail, property management and real estate industries. Around 30 organisations will set up booths and conduct recruitment on the spot each day. A wide variety of positions will be offered including engineer, repairing skilled worker, chemist, guest service officer, sales supervisor, administration clerk, nurse, driver, security guard, cook, beautician, health worker, inflight service operator and office assistant. Job seekers can visit the LD’s Interactive Employment Service website (www.jobs.gov.hk
     Around 84 per cent of the vacancies offered at the job fair are full-time jobs. Most vacancies offer monthly salaries ranging from $12,000 to $25,000. About 94 per cent of the vacancies require a Secondary Seven education level or below. Around 65 per cent are open to job seekers without relevant work experience.

     Job seekers can submit job applications during the event and may be selected for on-the-spot interviews. They can also make enquiries on the employment services provided by the LD at its counter inside the venue.

     The job fair will be held from 11am to 5.30pm at 1/F, MacPherson Stadium, 38 Nelson Street, Mong Kok (near Mong Kok MTR Station Exit E2). Admission is free, with final admission time at 5pm each day.
Issued at HKT 11:30

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Categories24-7, Asia Pacific, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Government special administrative region, MIL OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong’s status as international aviation hub attracts French company Elior Group SA to set up Asia headquarters (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong’s status as international aviation hub attracts French company Elior Group SA to set up Asia headquarters
As mentioned in the 2025-26 Budget delivered by the Financial Secretary, under the co-ordination of InvestHK, the AAHK had signed an MoU with a leading overseas professional aeronautic services company to explore the possibility of providing professional services such as aircraft dismantling, parts recycling and related training in Hong Kong, thereby developing Hong Kong into the first aircraft parts processing and trading centre in Asia. The company is Elior Group SA, which is part of Derichebourg SA, a leading business in Europe.

Elior Group SA’s intention to expand its presence in Hong Kong highlights the city’s dynamic business environment and immense growth potential across sectors, including its growing aviation centre of excellence.

???The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, said, “Under the ‘one country, two systems’ arrangement, Hong Kong has a high degree of internationalisation, a favourable business environment, a strategic location, a robust legal framework, and a low tax regime. The city has always been a prime location for foreign investment and international conglomerates. Hong Kong will continue to play its unique role of connecting the Mainland and the world to attract more companies from around the world to set up in the city, aiming to enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international trade and investment hub.”

The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, said, “The National 14th Five-Year Plan has recognised Hong Kong’s position as an international aviation hub. Leveraging on Hong Kong’s unique advantages under the principle of ‘one country, two systems’, and with our globally connected aviation network and world-class airport infrastructure, Hong Kong is capable of assuming a more important role in the area of aviation, proactively contributing to the high-quality development and high-level opening-up of our country. I am pleased to see that Elior Group SA and the AAHK are exploring the possibility of introducing aircraft parts handling and trading services in Hong Kong, thereby enriching Hong Kong’s position as an international aviation hub and supporting the aviation development of our country as well as the Asian region as a whole.”

The Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau, said, “InvestHK has always been committed to attracting foreign direct investment and enabling international investors in developing their businesses in Hong Kong. We are pleased to assist Elior Group SA in setting up an Asian headquarters and expanding its presence here. The signing of this MoU is a testament to global businesses confidence in the Hong Kong market, reaffirming that Hong Kong is the ideal destination for companies to establish or expand their operations in the region.”

Mr Derichebourg said, “Elior Group SA operates a wide range of businesses across 11 countries, covering a variety of industries including aviation, construction and food contracting services. We are grateful for the support provided by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and InvestHK. We look forward to further developing and exploring new opportunities in Hong Kong, and from here expand across Asia.”
Issued at HKT 10:00

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Categories24-7, Asia Pacific, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Government special administrative region, MIL OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import and Export (Amendment) Bill 2025 gazetted

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Import and Export (Amendment) Bill 2025 gazetted
     A spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said, “The Government is implementing the TSW in three phases to provide a one-stop electronic platform for the trade to lodge business-to-government trade documents for trade declaration and cargo clearance. The Bill aims to provide the legal basis for Phase 3 of the TSW, such that the trade can make use of the system to submit Import and Export Declaration (TDEC), Cargo Manifest as well as applications for Certificate of Origin (CO) and Permit for Dutiable Commodities (DCP).”

     At present, the Government Electronic Trading Services (GETS) is the only electronic platform for the submission of TDEC, Cargo Manifest and applications for CO and DCP, which are governed by different pieces of legislation. To implement Phase 3 of the TSW, the Government proposes to make technical amendments to relevant existing legal provisions to replace GETS by the TSW for the submission of those trade documents, and to remove GETS-related provisions from the legislation.

   In addition, the Bill makes necessary legislative amendments for some of the Phase 3 services, including the introduction of value-added service provider and its regulatory framework, allowing the trade to submit pre-shipment TDEC and Cargo Manifest on a voluntary basis, the introduction of electronic road Cargo Manifest and the digitalisation of return of licences service. The Bill also includes provisions on transitional arrangements to allow parallel run of TSW Phase 3 and GETS for a certain period of time to provide sufficient time for the trade to migrate to the new system.

     “The implementation of the TSW is a major business and operational process reengineering exercise. It overhauls and enhances the document submission workflows between participating government agencies and the trade. At the same time, it enhances the efficiency of cargo clearance in Hong Kong and helps maintain Hong Kong’s status as an international trade centre and a logistics hub. The Government is developing the information system of Phase 3, with the target of rolling out the services by batches from 2026 onwards,” the spokesman added.

     The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first and second readings on April 2.
Issued at HKT 11:00

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Categories24-7, Asia Pacific, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Government special administrative region, MIL OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government announces appointments to Communications Authority

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Government announces appointments to Communications Authority
     The Chief Executive has also reappointed the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development as the Vice-chairperson of the CA. In addition, four incumbent members, i.e. Mr Nicholas Chan Hiu-fung, Mr Patrick Law Fu-yuen, Mr Michael Hui Wah-kit and Professor Leung Siu-fai have been reappointed, while Professor Anthony Fung Ying-him and Dr Patrick Tsie Kai-yiu have been appointed as new members. The tenure of the appointments is two years with effect from April 1, 2025.

     Commenting on the appointments, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, said, “I am pleased that Mr Jenkin Suen has been appointed as the Chairperson of the CA. I believe with Mr Suen’s legal background and wealth of experience in public services, he will be able to lead the CA to discharge its statutory functions as the communications and broadcasting regulator in Hong Kong, with the objectives of safeguarding the interests of the public and promoting the sustainable development of the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors. I would also like to welcome Professor Anthony Fung and Dr Patrick Tsie as new members of the CA. With their extensive experience and professional knowledge in the broadcasting and telecommunications fields respectively, they will surely provide valuable insights for the work of the CA. I am also grateful that Mr Nicholas Chan, Mr Patrick Law, Mr Michael Hui and Professor Leung Siu-fai have accepted reappointment to continue to contribute to the work of the CA.

     “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Ms Winnie Tam for her outstanding contributions during her tenure. Since taking up the chairmanship in 2018, Ms Tam has guided the CA in effectively fulfilling its regulatory functions and roles with remarkable achievements. On the broadcasting front, during her tenure, the CA has relaxed a number of requirements under the broadcasting codes of practice to keep pace with the times, thereby creating a more conducive environment for the sustainable development of the broadcasting industry. In addition, the CA has continued to handle complaints in a fair, impartial and unbiased manner to safeguard public interest. On the communications front, with the rapid advancements in communications technologies over the past few years, the CA has continued to stay ahead in formulating policies to promote communications infrastructure and technology development while maintaining fair competition in the industry, contributing to a solid foundation for Hong Kong as a regional communications hub. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the outgoing members Professor Vincent Lau Kin-nang and Mr Simon Wong Kwong-yeung for their contributions to the CA over the past six years,” Mr Yau added.

     Brief profiles of the newly appointed Chairperson and non-official members are as follows:

Mr Jenkin Suen
——————-
     Mr Suen was appointed as Senior Counsel in 2019 and is a barrister and an arbitrator in Des Voeux Chambers. He also sits as a Recorder of the Court of First Instance of the High Court. He is currently the Chairman of the Copyright Tribunal and the Pharmacy and Poisons Appeal Tribunal, the Deputy Chairman of the Administrative Appeals Board, and a member of the Criminal and Law Enforcement Injuries Compensation Boards and the Air Transport Licensing Authority. He was previously the Chairman of the Appeal Tribunal Panel (Buildings).——————————————
     Professor Fung is the Dean of Social Science and the Director of the Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He is currently a co-opted member of the Broadcast Complaints Committee under the CA, as well as a member of the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research and the Steering Committee on Strategic Development of Information Technology in Education. He has formerly served as a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee on Community Relations of the Independent Commission Against Corruption as well as the Radio Television Hong Kong Board of Advisors.

Dr Patrick Tsie Kai-yiu
—————————-
     Dr Tsie was formerly the Senior Director of Technical Marketing at Qualcomm International, and has previously served as a member appointed on an ad personam basis of the Telecommunications Regulatory Affairs Advisory Committee of the Office of the Communications Authority.

     The membership of the CA from April 1, 2025, will be as follows:————
Mr Jenkin Suen——————
Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development—————————
Dr Hubert Chan Chung-yee
Mr Nicholas Chan Hiu-fung
Ms Amy Fung Dun-mi
Professor Anthony Fung Ying-him
Mr Michael Hui Wah-kit
Mr Patrick Law Fu-yuen
Professor Leung Siu-fai
Dr Patrick Tsie Kai-yiu
Ms Wendy Yuen Miu-ling——————–
Director-General of Communications
Issued at HKT 11:00

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Categories24-7, Asia Pacific, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Government special administrative region, MIL OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 22, 2025

Commodity	FY 2023-24	FY (2024-25) Apr-Dec 2024
Total T&A including Handicrafts	35,874	27,430
% Share in Total Exports	8.21%	8.5%

Sl. No.	Name of Handloom Product	Registration date
1	Shaphee Lamphee	31.03.2014
2	Wangkhei Phee	31.03.2014
3	Moirang Phee	31.03.2014

Category: Asia

14th meeting of ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism concludes in New DelhiDiscussions focus on evolving a comprehensive strategy to tackle terrorism & extremism

14th meeting of ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism concludes in New Delhi

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