The Indian Government has approved a scheme for the modernisation and upgrade of technology in all the segments of the country’s leather industry, including tanneries, footwear, footwear components, saddlery, leather goods and garments. The Government will outlay Rs. 290 crore ($63,568,610) for the Integrated Development of Leather Sector” (IDLS) scheme which will be implemented during the 10th Plan Period (2002-2007), with effect November 3, 2005.

Under the programme, all existing units in tanneries, leather production, leather footwear and the footwear components sector undertaking viable programmes in upgrading technology will be eligible for financial assistance under the scheme, which will consist of grants to the extent of 30% of the cost of plant and machinery.

The scheme will be implemented through the CLRI, Chennai for tanneries and the FDDI, Noida for leather goods and garments, saddlery, leather footwear and footwear components.