NREGS couldn't be extended to artisans as PM is not convinced yet: Santosh Gangwar

Last December, you told dna that the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) would soon be extended to rural artisans, including handloom weavers, to revive the traditional dying art of India and stop them from switching to other professions for livelihood. Why hasn't it materialised yet?
I had discussed the issue with the prime minister and had submitted a written proposal to him also. There are a few technical issues. The PM is not yet convinced with the idea. Moreover, rural development ministry is not willing to extend the NREGS to artisans for reasons best known to it.

Does that mean the proposal is scrapped?
I want this plan to take off. To build pressure, I am now seeking to initiate a nationwide campaign on the issue of extension of NREGS to artisans. This could probably help convince the PM.

You had announced two textile clusters in Uttar Pradesh — in the prime minister's constituency Varanasi and in your own Bareilly. Both couldn't take off due to hurdles in land allotment. Your comment.
The fact of the matter is that the Samajwadi Party government is not cooperating with us. There seems to be lack of enthusiasm among the northern states towards development. We had also advertised about the textile parks; unfortunately, the northern states didn't show any interest. In comparison, the northeastern states are more willing. We are investing Rs20 crore in each northeast state for development of apparel centres. A beautiful centre is also being set up in Srinagar, besides a Pashmina dehairing plant in Leh.

What is the status of centre-owned Indu Mills' transfer to the state for the memorial of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar?
We have cleared everything from our side. The ball is in the state government's court now.