Shuttleless loom cloth producers seek Govt concessions

23 May '08

2 min read

The Shuttleless Loom Cloth Manufacturers Association of Tamilnadu and the South India Autoloom Cloth Manufacturers Welfare Association have pled to the Central and State Government to grant them concessions in loan repayment, import duty and local taxes.

The associations revealed to the Government that a number of weaving units opted for imported shuttleless looms which cost them a huge amount. However, as demand for the fabric is low, financial crisis are looming over manufacturers.

These units were not fully abreast about potential products and their markets, besides, interest rates also went up from 11 to 15 in the past few months. In fact, spare parts for these imported looms in turn had to be imported at high duty. This posed a real burden on the manufacturers who are finding it difficult to bear the expenses.

Presently, these units are doling out nearly 35 percent of the production costs towards power charges and in addition suffers from shortage of labors. Such demoralizing circumstances are making it difficult for manufacturers to sustain operations.

Seeking respite from this situation, shuttleless loom cloth units have approached the Government urging it to lower interest rates and grant a holiday period for loan repayment.

Moreover, manufacturers have also appealed to the Government that such fabric be purchased by its departments like Railway, Highways and the Armed Forces.

Experts believe that in order to do away with stocking of cotton, the Government should permit export of only surplus cotton and that too only through the Cotton Corporation of India. Additionally, it should also provide tax exemptions as given to hank yarn producers and must allow supply of power at a concessional rate.

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