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The working group on textiles constituted by the Planning Commission has recommended a specialised scheme for the Northeast’s powerloom sector.
The group said a specialised scheme had to be formulated to provide 40 per cent credit-linked capital subsidy for new automatic/shuttleless powerlooms and warping machines for development of small-scale textile units.
The powerloom sector contributes 62 per cent to the total fabric production in the country and provides employment to 57.29 lakh persons.
The maximum subsidy for purchasing new shuttleless powerloom and warping machines would be Rs 40 lakh per unit subject to 10 per cent promoter’s contribution. Indigenous or imported shuttleless powerlooms and warping machines, with or without accessories, are eligible for the subsidy.
The expert consultative committee for growth and development of textiles and clothing sector in the northeastern region under the textile commissioner’s office, which met in Aizawl, has recommended a separate policy for the entire Northeast for promotion and development of the textiles and garment sectors.
The Mizoram government hosted the meeting, which was organised by the Indian Jute Industries Research Association (IJIRA).
A source said the meeting recommended that a separate policy needed to be formulated and evolved for the entire Northeast to promote and develop textiles and garment manufacturing technologies, including marketing, within the country and abroad.
“Ijira and the Powerloom Development and Export Promotion Council (PDEXCIL) may chalk out integrated skill development programme for the first generation entrepreneurs of the region through hands-on training as well as by conducting study tours,” the source added.
The committee also discussed various issues pertaining to requirements of raw material/yarn/machine spares part/sales depot, awareness about technology, exposure visits and buyer-seller meets, among others.
The meeting appreciated the offer of the PDEXCIL chairman to request the joint secretary, powerlooms, ministry of textiles, to participate in the next expert consultative committee meeting.
Mizoram director of industries Zothankuma said growth in textiles could be accelerated dramatically and profitably if appropriate policies could be put in place quickly and key infrastructure provided. He said research and development activities related to textile products of the region should be accorded priority.
Ijira director Prabir Ray said skill development was a must for revival and development of the textile sector in the region.
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