Textile Minister underlines the need for development of futuristic value-added products
Textile Minister Piyush Goyal has called for major issues related to Technology Upgradation Fund (TUF) scheme to be outlined and deliberations with the stakeholders including Banks to resolve the issues once and forever. This would help accelerate the progress of TUF scheme.
Making his maiden visit to the Office of the Textile Commissioner in Mumbai on 10 July 2021, after taking charge of the Textile Ministry, Goyal suggested that formats for submission of Statutory Returns from industry be simplified.
The Minister reviewed various schemes, activities implemented, undertaken by the Office of the Textile Commissioner, Textiles Committee, Cotton Corporation of India Ltd, Export Promotion Councils and Textile Research Organizations.
He also underlined the need for development of futuristic value-added products and its exhibition. He pointed out the need for developing technical textiles for use of wagon covers and optimal utilization of National Technical Textiles Mission to address market requirements. He also stressed the need to brand Pashmina wool internationally.
Further, Goyal urged Textile Research Associations to become self-sufficient instead of depending on Government grants.
He emphasized the need for close liasioning and co-ordination between the Government agencies and the local elected representatives for making a congenial atmosphere in implementing the various government initiatives.
He told officials at the review meeting that applications received under subsidy-oriented schemes should be processed in a transparent manner using automation, while keeping in view the broad objective of each scheme. He says necessary mechanism should be devised so that personal contact of industry and department can be eliminated.
He also highlighted the need for stepping up the productivity of cotton and necessary initiatives to be taken up with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The Cotton Corporation of India should work out possibilities for providing ‘kapas’ plucking machines to the cotton farmers through start-ups established by way of availing Mudra Loan and special models to be developed for supporting small players.
Goyal emphasized the issue of elimination of child labour in the Textiles Sector and suggested to convene a meeting with stakeholders for making a strategic plan.
While reviewing the activities of export promotion councils, the Minister suggested broad based industry interaction for developing country oriented comprehensive trade agreement. Also, develop Financial Instruments to have backstopping to industry, which are not subsidy focused and enable stable credit flow from banks through such a guarantee, he said.
The textiles sector is the biggest employer as well as the biggest exporter. #manufacturing #investment #technology #exports /fiinews.com
