The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the Central Sector Scheme Indian Leather Development Programme (ILDP) for implementation during the 12th Plan period aiming at overall development of the leather sector.

Six sub-schemes namely Integrated Development of Leather Sector (IDLS), Human Resource Development (HRD), Support to Artisan (STA), Leather Technology Innovation and Environmental Issues (erstwhile Upgradation/lnstallation of Infrastructure for Environmental Protection), Mega Leather Cluster and Establishment of Institutional Institutes are being proposed for continuation from the 11th Plan period for implementation under the ILDP during the 12th Plan period with the total outlay of Rs.990.36 crore.

Around two lakh unemployed persons would be provided placement linked skill development training under the HRD sub-scheme. Skill upgradation of existing employees and training to trainers would also be provided. Thirty thousand artisans would be covered through the common facilitating centre support, marketing linkages, micro finance and by forming Self Help Group for enhancing their skill and income. It also envisages infrastructure support in the form of mega leather clusters, establishing infrastructure and pilot projects for environment protection, establishment of two new branches of Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) and providing assistance for modernization and technology upgradation of leather units.

Implementation of ILDP would provide trained manpower to the industry and assistance to overcome the constraints of infrastructure in the industry besides efforts for addressing environmental concerns. The objective of the scheme is overall development of the leather sector.

Background:

Based on the approval accorded by the CCEA in its meeting held in August, 2008, the ILDP was implemented during 11th Plan period. 13 sub-schemes were implemented under ILDP. The expenditure incurred during 11th Plan period was Rs.669.02 crore.

The scheme is being continued from the 11th Plan period. During the years 2012-13 and 2013-14 of the 12th Plan period, the implementation has been continued, during which, 49505 unemployed persons have been provided placement linked skill development training all over India out of which 38699 trainees have been placed in the industry. Support has been provided to 13398 artisans in Jaipur, Alwar, Jodhpur, Rai-Bareilly, Patiala, Maharashtra and West Bengal. One project of Common Effluent Treatment Plant at Dindigul in Tamil Nadu is being supported. Applications of 331 units have been approved for providing support for their modernization and technology upgradation.

Leather sector development programme approved to continue, expanding skill development, artisan support, infrastructure and environmental modernisation assistance. Approval of the Central Sector Indian Leather Development Programme for the Twelfth Plan consolidates six sub schemes-Integrated Development of Leather Sector; Human Resource Development; Support to Artisan; Leather Technology Innovation and Environmental Issues; Mega Leather Cluster; and Establishment of Institutional Institutes-with a total outlay of Rs.990.36 crore, focusing on placement linked skill training, artisan support via common facilities and microfinance, mega cluster infrastructure, environmental protection projects, and assistance for modernization and technology upgradation of leather units.