Hon’ble PRAKASH KALLAPPA AWADE MLA of Ichalkaranji and Ex-textile Minister of Maharashtra state initiated the Scheme in 2003 for Infrastructure up-gradation and technological improvements for textile industry in and around Ichalkaranji. The proposal was submitted with the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, New Delhi under the Industrial Infrastructure up-gradation Scheme (IIUS).

Brief Introduction of the pioneer of the scheme

Name: Shri. Prakash Kallappa Awade

Career Milestones

1. 1. Elected as MLA from Ichalkaranji Assembly Constituency in 1985
2. 2. Carried out responsibility as Minister of State for Co-operation and Textile during 1988-90.
3. 3. Re-elected in 1995 from Ichalkaranji Assembly Constituency.
4. 4. Re-elected from Ichalkaranji Assembly Constituency in 1999 & became Minister of State for Textile, Tribal Development and Special Assistance.
5. 5. Carried out responsibility as Minister of State for Textiles from July 2003.
6. 6. Promoted as Cabinet Minister for Textile, Ex. Serviceman’s Welfare from July 2004. Also became the Patron Minister of Sindhudurga District.
7. 7. Re-elected from Ichalkaranji Assembly Constituency in October, 2004
8. 8. Director, Kolhapur District Central Co-operative Bank Ltd., Kolhapur
9. 9. Director, The Ichalkaranji Co- operative Spinning Mills Ltd., Ichalkaranji
10. 10. Governing Council Member of Dattajirao Kadam Technical Education Society, Ichalkaranji

Work Profile
Making continuous efforts for the up-gradation of power loom sector, spinning mills and processing sector in and around Ichalkaranji so as to enable them to compete in the much-coveted international textile market. Instrumental in the establishment of Jawahar Shetkari Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd., Hupari, Indira Gandhi Mahila Sahakari Soot Girani Ltd., Shivnakwadi, Laxmi Co-op Industrial Estate, Hatkanangale. Actively involved in setting-up of various organizations such as banks, credit societies, poultries, and dairies in co-operative sphere for the benefit of rural zone. Worked as the Chairman of study group appointed by the State Government to look into problems of Devdasis and initiated Devdasi Pension scheme.

Devised the Krishna Drinking Water Scheme for Ichalkaranji city to tide over the acute scarcity of water. Planned to set up Garment Zone, knitting, and hosiery industry for promoting ancillary occupations in and around in and around Ichalkaranji. Succeeded in securing interest subsidy for hosiery industry from Government of Maharashtra by making provision in the State Industrial Policy 2001. Instrumental in establishing Silver Zone Five Star MIDC at Kagal-Hatkanangale. Under his guidance, a comprehensive Cluster Development Scheme was prepared for Ichalkaranji and same has been sanctioned by Government of India. As a One-Member-Committee, Shri. Awade made 23 recommendations to the State Government for the rejuvenation of textile industry in general and power loom, handloom industry in particular. Electricity to power loom at Rs.1.06 per unit, 5% subsidy in interest on repayment of loan, 50% subsidy on overdue loans are some of the major reliefs given to powerloom industry. Shri. Awade has undertaken rehabilitation of slums in Ichalkaranji under the VAMBI Scheme of the State Government through MHADA and got sanctioned 1837 houses and further sanction for plan of 2137 houses is awaited. Continuous efforts to maintain harmonious relations between power loom owners and weavers.