I am delighted to know that the updated version of the booklet on Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme(TUFS) is being brought out. The scheme was launched w.e.f. 1-4-99 with an objective to facilitate a focused and time bound Technology Upgradation of Textile & Jute Units. Government have effected a large number of relaxation / modification in the scheme in order to make the scheme industry friendly. Special dispensation has been provided to the powerloom units in terms of benchmark technology. Semi Automatic Loom has been specified as the minimum technology level. Stand alone CPP has been made eligible. The common effluent treatment plant on stand alone basis has been made eligible. For small scale textile/jute sector, an option has been provided to avail of 12% credit linked capital subsidy (CLCS- TUFS) in lieu of 5% interest reimbursement. Further, Deferred Payment Guarantee (DPG), lease finance and Non-Convertible Debentures (NCD) etc. have also been brought under the purview of the scheme.   

      An amount of Rs. 5950 crores have bee_sanetioned to 1809 units having a project cost of Rs. 12153 crores upto February, 2003. Though, the number of SSI units to whom loan has been sanctioned is much higher than Non-SSI units, in terms of amount sanctioned I and disbursed, Non-SSI units have availed of above 88% of the total I amount. This is the golden opportunity for the Indian textile and Jute Industries to catch up with the very best in the world. I hope with the relaxation made in the scheme as well as the flexibility provided, the Indian textile industry will avail of the scheme in a big way to further improve its productivity and quality.

    I wish the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme and the Indian Textile & Jute entrepreneurs all success.