Parliament Question: Department of Industries in UT of Lakshadweep

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT FOR PROMOTION OF INDUSTRY AND INTERNAL TRADE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5263. TO BE ANSWERED ON TUESDAY, THE 24TH MARCH, 2026. DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIES IN UT OF LAKSHADWEEP 5263. SHRI MUHAMMED HAMDULLAH SAYEED: Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state: वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री (a) the current structure and functions of the Department of Industries in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep; (b) the industrial units, schemes and projects currently being implemented by the department in the UT; (c) the total funds allocated and utilized by the department in the UT during the last three years; (d) the employment generated and beneficiaries impacted through the department’s initiatives in the UT; and (e) the steps being taken by the Government to promote entrepreneurship, local industries and sustainable economic development in the islands? ANSWER वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री (श्री णिणिन प्रसाद) THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA) (a): The main functions of the Department of Industries in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep are promoting small-scale and village industries, implementing various schemes for self -employment and entrepreneurship, and supporting coconut- based industries, as informed by the UT of Lakshadweep. The Department also facilitates training and skill development programmes and provides assistance to local entrepreneurs in establishing MSME units. In addition, the Department implements Government of India schemes such as the PM Vishwakarma Scheme aimed at promoting traditional skills and generating employment opportunities in Lakshadweep. (b): The industrial units in the UT includes the following: (i) Coir Production Centers (05 Nos.) located at: Agatti, Amini, Androth, Kadmath and Kavaratti; (ii) Coir Fibre Factories (07 Nos.) located at: Agatti, Amini, Androth, Kadmath, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, and Kiltan; (iii) Handicraft Training Centre (01 No.) located at: Kavaratti; and (iv) Hosiery Factory (01 No.) located at: Kalpeni. The 25% Capital Investment Subsidy is the only State Scheme implemented by the Department of Industries in Lakshadweep to promote local entrepreneurship. Under this scheme, eligible local entrepreneurs establishing micro and small enterprises receive a subsidy of 25% of the capital investment,encouraging industrial development, self-employment, and sustainable economic growth in the islands. (c): Total fund allocated and utilized by the Department of Industries during the last three years is as under: Year Fund Allocated Fund Utilized (Rs. In Lakh) (Rs. In Lakh) 2023-24 20.00 20.00 2024-25 20.00 20.00 2025-26 20.00 20.00 (d): The 25% Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme, in force since 1987, supports approximately 10 MSMEs annually. Till date, a total of 198 MSMEs have been assisted with a cumulative subsidy amounting to Rs. 1,91,89,954/-. This initiative has significantly contributed to promoting local entrepreneurship, strengthening small-scale industries, and supporting sustainable economic development in Lakshadweep. Government of India schemes such as PM Vishwakarma is also being effectively implemented to support traditional artisans and enhance livelihood opportunities. Under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, basic skill training has been provided to 441 beneficiaries (66% of registered beneficiaries) and toolkits have been distributed to 42 beneficiaries. Further under the scheme, financial assistance amounting to Rs. 15,30,000/- has been disbursed to 19 beneficiaries. In addition, the Department conducts Handicrafts Training, Coir-based Value Addition Training, Mahila Coir Yojana, and Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) awareness programmes, benefiting approximately 300 unemployed youth annually. (e): The Government has undertaken several initiatives to promote entrepreneurship and local industries in Lakshadweep, including provision of capital investment subsidies to MSMEs, implementation of skill development and training programmes in handicrafts and coir-based sectors; and conduct of Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (EDP). Lakshadweep possesses abundant availability of coconuts, providing a strong natural advantage for the promotion of coconut and fish based industries. In this context, the Department has initiated the development and establishment of an industrial cluster focusing on coconut and fish based value-added products, particularly coconut flakes and virgin coconut oil, with the objective of enhancing value addition, improving income generation, and creating employment opportunities. The Industries Department has also undertaken market linkage initiatives by conducting two fests for PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries in the islands of Kavaratti and Agatti, which resulted in good sales of their products. The Industries Department has also got approval to implement RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) in Lakshadweep. ********