UP Handloom Corpn made to pull up socks

The recent deferment of financial assistance by the Central government has forced the UP Handloom Corporation authorities to expedite the sale of products and improve its administration.

It may be mentioned that in the recent meeting with the union handloom development commissioner on May 24, 2006, the Corporation authorities failed to peruse their demands for release of second installment. Sources said as the corporation had not achieved the target, which was proposed while seeking the financial assistance, the second installment by the central government was postponed.

However, the top management of the corporation is planning to complete the cover up exercise within three months before August 2006, when it would again forward its demand of financial assistance to the central government.

For this, the instructions were likely to be passed to all regional marketing managers to complete the sale of goods within the span of three months else ensure the return of products to the parties.

Earlier, the Corporation has started the Deen Dyal Hathkargha Protshahan Yojna to improve its financial status. The financial assistance of Rs 40 crore was promised by the state and central government for the scheme. In which the state government promised Rs 20 crore and the same amount had been promised by central government.

The central government released the first installment worth Rs 5 crore on October 5, 2004 but according to bank statements the amount reached the Corporation on February 16, 2006. The representative of the UP Handloom also failed to give satisfactory details about the achievements made by the Corporation including sales growth, disbursement of salary and other dues to its employees.

Moreover, the Central government authorities said the state government should release the money promised to the corporation, before they release the second installment.

Talking to Hindustan Times, managing director of the Corporation Shyamal said, “Efforts have been started to bring improvement in the areas pointed by the authorities. Besides, a plan is being chalked out to hold meetings with all depo incharge and to inspect the showrooms.”