ERODE: The Union Textile Ministry will soon launch a countrywide census of looms in the powerloom sector. It will also focus on the type of looms — shuttle or shuttle-less. And, if shuttle-less, whether they are projectile, rapier or air-jet.

Though the weavers are required to register themselves with the Regional Offices of the Textile Commissioner, none complies with the mandate. The last survey, conducted in 1996-97, was not credible.

Sources say the census will give the Centre a clear picture that will help it in making policy decisions and working out schemes for the textile sector.

The figures will also let the Government know how many looms have been imported.

Sources say the Centre had earlier decided to allow 50,000 shuttleless looms to be imported. This figure, however, has been revised to 60,000 with March 2007 as the deadline. And, based on the figures, the Government can decide on schemes similar to the Technology Upgrade Fund that allows weavers certain concessions if they are to upgrade their looms from shuttle to shuttle-less.

If the Government wants the census to be credible, it will have to adopt a novel strategy. This is because weavers will hesitate to part with information for fear of action by the Labour, Income Tax, Customs, Sales Tax departments, says a source who has been in the business for more than two decades.

He suggests that using local bodies in data collection will help because they levy a nominal charge as industrial tax on units in their jurisdiction and will maintain near accurate figures.

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