Ministry of MSME has launched this scheme in the year 2005 with the view to make the traditional industries more competitive, market driven, productive, profitable and capable of providing sustainable employment for traditional industry artisans and rural entrepreneurs. The Coir Board is the Nodal Agency for the implementation of the scheme. The scheme is being implemented by the Board through the Implementing Agencies engaged by the Board for each cluster. The scheme envisages for setting up of Common Facility Centres, Capacity building measures, Product development and design intervention centres and Market promotion assistance including setting up of outlets in the selected coir clusters. As on date 25 coir clusters have come up as per the scheme and many of the cluster have completed. Ministry of MSME proposed enhanced budget allocation during 12th five Year Plan for the promotion of the scheme in a bigger way, with certain modification.
OBJECTIVES OF THE SCHEME
I. Develop clusters of traditional industries in India.
II. Make traditional industries more competitive with more market driven, productive, profitable and creation of sustainable employment for rural folk.
III. Strengthen local governance, active participation of the local stake holders for developmental initiatives.
IV. Build up innovative and traditional skills, improved technologies, advanced process, market intelligence etc., for regeneration of traditional industries.