Former HRD Minister Smriti Irani
now is the
Textile Minister
and takes her first decision. She has authorised the continuation of the diploma course at the
Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, Salem, Tamil Nadu
.
This debate on the diploma has been going on for a long time and the decision is here. Earlier the ministry wanted to terminate the diploma course and wanted to upgrade it to a 4 year B.Tech course.
The diploma course is continued because it is more affordable to students belonging to a poor background and students from handloom weaving families.
“After considering the representations, the Ministry of Textiles has decided to revive the diploma course in the interest of children from handloom weaving families. This has resolved an important local demand of weaver community,” said the ministry.
The upgraded 4 years B. Tech course and the diploma course in handloom both will be available at IIHT.
The students who pursue this course are found to be successful in the handloom industry and act as a qualified manpower in the handloom sector.