Executive Summary:
This document presents the Ministry of MSME's response to questions regarding the Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) in Tamil Nadu. It details the number of approved and operational clusters, funds allocated and utilized, and the impact on artisans. The information provided pertains to the last five years until the scheme's continuation ended on 30.09.2022, with data as of August 21, 2025.
Key Points / Main Content:
SFURTI Cluster Approvals and Operations:
* 10 clusters were approved in Tamil Nadu in the last 5 years under SFURTI, with a total committed GoI assistance of Rs 19.69 Crore.
* 3 out of the 10 approved clusters are currently functional.
* These clusters aim to benefit 3,429 traditional artisans.
* No SFURTI cluster proposals have been received from the Kanchipuram district.
* Annexure I provides a district and sector-wise breakdown of the clusters, including GoI assistance sanctioned, released, and utilized.
Financial Information:
* Rs 19.69 Crore total committed GoI assistance to Tamil Nadu SFURTI clusters.
* Details of GoI assistance sanctioned, released, and utilized for each cluster are in Annexure I.
Impact on Artisans:
* 23,197 artisans have reportedly benefited across 19 functional clusters in Tamil Nadu under SFURTI, according to available data.
Value Addition, Design Development, Marketing & Infrastructure Support:
* Training programs have been conducted on Jacquard design, millet and turmeric processing, palm leaf and leather products.
* Exposure visits to institutions like Central Silk Board and Sri Vastra Design Centre.
* Product diversification training provided through Weavers Service Centre, Salem.
* A dedicated e-commerce platform was launched for a few clusters.
* Buyer-seller meets and tie-ups with organic stores and FPOs were facilitated.
* Exposure visits to major markets were organized.
* Infrastructure support included installation of machinery such as silk twisting machines, paddy processing machines, packaging equipment for turmeric, and solar dryers.
Future of SFURTI:
* The SFURTI scheme was in continuation until 30.09.2022.
* No new proposals are being approved.
Impact Analysis:
Tamil Nadu Artisans and Traditional Industry Workers:
*Impact:* Benefited from employment generation, income enhancement, training, design development, marketing support, and infrastructure improvements within the SFURTI clusters.
*Action Required:* To continue utilizing the resources and support provided through existing SFURTI initiatives to enhance their skills, products, and market access.
Ministry of MSME:
*Impact:* Responsible for implementing and monitoring the SFURTI scheme, providing financial assistance, and facilitating various support measures for the clusters.
*Action Required:* To review and assess the impact of the SFURTI scheme in Tamil Nadu, utilizing the data collected to inform future policies and initiatives for the development of traditional industries.
Key Entities Referenced
Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries SFURTI: A scheme by the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, aimed at regenerating traditional industries.
Tamil Nadu: A state in southern India where the SFURTI scheme is being implemented.
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: The Indian government ministry responsible for the SFURTI scheme.
SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE: Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Kanchipuram district: A district in Tamil Nadu, specifically mentioned in relation to SFURTI cluster proposals.
Central Silk Board: An institution providing training programmes under SFURTI to promote value addition, design development, marketing support and infrastructure improvement
Weavers Service Centre, Salem: An organisation providing product diversification training through Weavers Service Centre, Salem under SFURTI scheme.
Lok Sabha: House of the Parliament of India, where questions regarding SFURTI are raised.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4637
TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.08.2025
SFURTI in Tamil Nadu
4637. SHRI C N ANNADURAI:
SHRI NAVASKANI K:
SHRI SELVAM G:
Will the Minister of MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES be pleased to state:
(a) the number of traditional industry clusters approved and operational under the Scheme of
Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) in the State of Tamil Nadu including
Kanchipuram district during the last five years, district and sector-wise;
(b) the total funds sanctioned, released and utilized under the SFURTI scheme in Tamil Nadu
during the said period;
(c) whether the scheme has resulted in employment generation and income enhancement of
artisans and traditional industry workers in Tamil Nadu;
(d) the steps taken by the Government to promote value addition, design development,
marketing support and infrastructure improvement in SFURTI clusters in Tamil Nadu;
(e) whether any new proposals from Tamil Nadu are under consideration for the establishment
of additional SFURTI clusters; and
(f) whether the Government has any plan to expand the SFURTI scheme to cover more
traditional crafts and underdeveloped regions of Tamil Nadu and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
(SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)
(a) and (b): Under the Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI), 10
clusters have been approved in last 5 years in the state of Tamil Nadu, with a total committed
Government of India (GoI) assistance of Rs 19.69 Crore, out of which 3 are functional. 3,429
traditional artisans are proposed to be benefitted in these clusters. No cluster proposal under
SFURTI has been received in the Ministry from Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu. District and
sector-wise details of these clusters along with GoI assistance sanctioned, released and utilized are
provided at Annexure-I.
(c): As per available data, a total of 23,197 artisans have been reported to be benefitted across all
19 functional clusters in Tamil Nadu under SFURTI.: 2 :
(d): Under SFURTI, the Ministry of MSME has undertaken several measures in Tamil Nadu to
promote value addition, design development, marketing support and infrastructure improvement.
These include training programmes on Jacquard design, millet and turmeric processing, palm leaf
and leather products, exposure visits to institutions like Central Silk Board and Sri Vastra Design
Centre, and product diversification training through Weavers Service Centre, Salem. For marketing
support, a dedicated e-commerce platform has been launched for few clusters, buyer-seller meets
and tie-ups with organic stores and FPOs facilitated, and exposure visits to major markets
organised. Infrastructure support has been provided through installation of machinery such as a silk
twisting machine, paddy processing machine, packaging equipment for turmeric and a solar drier.
(e) and (f): The Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) was in
continuation till 30.9.2022. Hence, no new proposals are being approved.
*****Annexure-I
Annexure-I referred to in part (a) & (b) of reply to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 4637,
due for answer on 21.08.2025.
District and Sector wise details of clusters along with GoI assistance sanctioned, released and
utilized in Tamil Nadu in the last five years:
Total GoI GoI GoI
Artisans Assistance Assistance Assistance
S.
District Sector Cluster Name Proposed Sanctioned Released Utilized
No
to be (INR in (INR in (INR in
benefitted Lakhs) Lakhs) Lakhs)
1 Turmeric Cluster 310 223.46 165.49 165.49
Velampudur
Ranipet Agro Jaggery and
2 311 180.47 123.471 123.471
Value-added
Products Cluster
Mecheri
3 Salem Textile 493 249.4 249.4 249.4
Handloom Cluster
Thanjavur Dolls
and Multi
products Cluster,
4 Thanjavur Handicraft 218 139.2 0 0
Thanjavur
District, Tamil
Nadu
Trichy Garments
5 Tiruchirappalli Textile 327 197.2 147.10 147.10
Cluster
Mukkurumbai
Rice and Millets
6 Tiruvannamalai Agro 370 222.09 200.8118 200.8118
Value Added
Products Cluster
Mudalur
7 Tuticorin Honey Beekeeping 400 216.26 20.00 20.00
Cluster
Palm Leaves Toys
8 Vellore Handicraft and Leather 460 232 187.647 122.65
Products Cluster
Cuddalore
9 Handicraft Sarvodaya Sangh 145 118.32 54.22 54.22
Pottery Cluster
Villupuram
Villupuram
10 Agro Natural Indigo 395 191.4 68.09 68.09
Cluster