Nodal Agency:
DC (HL) shall be the nodal agency as far as the cluster scheme is concerned. The Nodal agency shall be responsible for holding and disbursement of funds to the identified Implementing Agencies( IAs) and overall monitoring of the project under the supervision of the Apex Committee. The Nodal Agency & Apex Committee will be assisted by the National Resource Agency.
Implementing agency:
The Nodal agency will identify the implementing agencies (IA) which shall be institutions of the Central and State Governments, semi-Government institutions, NABARD, EDI, NHDC and non-government organisations (NGOs) with suitable expertise and experience to undertake a scheme of this nature and enter into contractual arrangements with such agencies to implement the scheme in the selected clusters. The duties of the Implementing Agencies will be to-
- Identify the cluster development agent (CDA).
- Interact with the National Resource Agency for training of the CDA
- Prepare a project on the basis of diagnostic study conducted by the CDA specifying inter-alia annual action plans clearly indicating the requirement of the cluster, activities and expected outputs and submit the proposal to the nodal agency for its approval.
- Implement the project mentioned above within the time limit as also carry out functions as year-marked in Annexure'B'.
Cluster Development Agent (CDA):
It is estimated that in order to cover 20 clusters under the scheme, several Implementing agencies will be necessary. Each such Implementing agency shall identify and support a Cluster Development Agent (CDA) exclusively for each cluster, who shall be located in the cluster full time and responsible for implementation of the scheme in the assigned cluster in consultation with the NRA. His responsibilities shall include conducting the diagnostic study, preparation and implementation of cluster action plan, promoting linkages with institutions, building the local governance framework, etc.
The CDA shall undergo prescribed training in cluster development methodology to be organized by the Nodal agency through NRA. With the objective of involving the cluster level stakeholders in the process of cluster development and supporting the activities of the CDA, a Cluster Development Coordination Group (CDCG) could be formed at the cluster level, of which the representatives of the targeted traditional Handloom enterprises, export units support service institutions, NABARD, Banks, State Government Agencies and others could be members.
The diagnostic report will be the critical document for evaluating the quantum of assistance. The diagnostic report should cover the expected coverage, the scope of project activities, techno-economic feasibility, and sources of funds for share of capital cost and recurring expenses, managerial structure and the fair benefit sharing mechanism and other necessary information. The project report should be supported by primary data, survey, and feasibility studies etc. In particular, convergence with assistance available under other scheme of Handloom sector or other Ministries/departments and linkages with other service providers such as Research Institutions etc should be disclosed. It should also specify the outcome of the proposed interventions.

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