06-09-2004, 02:16 AM
India News > <b>Yet another pro-poor decision from new railway minister </b>
New Delhi, June 8 (IANS) :
Lalu Prasad, the new railway minister, has come out with yet another move aimed at benefiting the home-grown industry and promoting things uniquely Indian.
A week after he delighted potters by ordering replacement of non-biodegradable plastic cups with kullhars, or earthen cups, for catering beverages in trains, Lalu Prasad has come up with an idea that could spell a windfall for the traditional handloom weavers.
Lalu Prasad Tuesday issued directions to his ministry to replace all linen used in trains with home-spun cotton, popularly known as khadi.
His latest direction to promote khadi cloths would benefit millions of handloom weavers not only by generating employment, but also go a long way in reviving the indigenous industry.
Millions of indigent weavers were threatened with loss of livelihood and their art slowly forgotten after the emergence of the more efficient power-looms.
The khadi material, made popular by Mahatma Gandhi, will now adorn bedrolls, curtains and other furnishing items on the railways, an official release said here.
The new minister had earlier issued another well-received order to promote sales <b>of healthy and indigenous drinks such as lassi, or buttermilk, in trains and railway premises, edging out multi-national aerated drinks.</b>
Though in office only since May 24, Lalu Prasad has won wide acclaim from environmentalists and support of the economically weaker sections for his string of pro-poor decisions.
It is good for handloom weaver, but does that mean IR will dump existing material and get new contract, which means bribe for coming election.
>>> indigenous drinks such as lassi, or buttermilk
Lassi/Nembu pani made from toilet water as they used to do in 70s and 80s in IR
New Delhi, June 8 (IANS) :
Lalu Prasad, the new railway minister, has come out with yet another move aimed at benefiting the home-grown industry and promoting things uniquely Indian.
A week after he delighted potters by ordering replacement of non-biodegradable plastic cups with kullhars, or earthen cups, for catering beverages in trains, Lalu Prasad has come up with an idea that could spell a windfall for the traditional handloom weavers.
Lalu Prasad Tuesday issued directions to his ministry to replace all linen used in trains with home-spun cotton, popularly known as khadi.
His latest direction to promote khadi cloths would benefit millions of handloom weavers not only by generating employment, but also go a long way in reviving the indigenous industry.
Millions of indigent weavers were threatened with loss of livelihood and their art slowly forgotten after the emergence of the more efficient power-looms.
The khadi material, made popular by Mahatma Gandhi, will now adorn bedrolls, curtains and other furnishing items on the railways, an official release said here.
The new minister had earlier issued another well-received order to promote sales <b>of healthy and indigenous drinks such as lassi, or buttermilk, in trains and railway premises, edging out multi-national aerated drinks.</b>
Though in office only since May 24, Lalu Prasad has won wide acclaim from environmentalists and support of the economically weaker sections for his string of pro-poor decisions.
It is good for handloom weaver, but does that mean IR will dump existing material and get new contract, which means bribe for coming election.
>>> indigenous drinks such as lassi, or buttermilk
Lassi/Nembu pani made from toilet water as they used to do in 70s and 80s in IR