Five CFCs launched to empower women in jute sector

In order to help artisans and women self help groups engaged in jute production, the Ministry of Textiles today launched Common Facility Centres Scheme.
Under Phase I of the scheme, the ministry would set up five CFCs - three in West Bengal - and one each in Assam and Bihar.
The three CFCs would be in Fulia in Nadia district, Deganga in North 24-Parganas district and Moogra in Hooghly in West Bengal while one CFC each would be set up in Assam's Barpeta and Bihar's Katihar.
"The CFC will generate self-employment opportunities for women and benefit the women self help groups (WSHGs) in rural areas formed under various schemes including the scheme operated by the National Jute Board (NJB) earlier, providing forward linkage with the market for value added products and is aimed at empowerment of rural women," Union Textiles Secretary and Chairman NJB Sanjay Kumar Panda said here today.

Union Minister of State for Textiles Santosh Kumar Gangwar today launched the Jute CFC Scheme besides laying foundation stone of "Patsan Bhavan", a green building to house offices of NJB, Jute Commissioner, Jute Corporation of India and National Jute Manufacturers Corporation Limited.
With a budget of Rs 70 crore, Patsan Bhavan is expected to be completed within a span of 24 months.

A budget of Rs 10 crore has been allotted for the scheme under which Rs 50 lakh for each CFCs has been earmarked for the construction and development of infrastructure facility including cost of buildings and machinery, Panda said.

Besides, an amount of Rs 60 lakh for each CFC has been allotted for undertaking technical trainings, design development workshops for the artisans, he said adding that Rs 40 lakh would be earmarked for marketing activities.
An amount of Rs 50 lakh has been alloted for each CFC to provide financial assistance to the artisans for an initial period and for procurement of tools, Panda further added.