The powerloom cluster in Maharashtra in areas like Bhiwandi, Malegaon, Sholapur, Ichalkiranji, Tarapur, Dhule and other regions will remain closed today to protest against permission given to export raw cotton, which has led to a spiral in cotton yarn prices.
Speaking to fibre2fashion and giving reasons for the strike, Faizan Azmi - President - Bhiwandi Powerloom Federation said, “Today, from 8 AM to 5 PM, all powerloom factories across Maharashtra will remain closed. A lot of fishy things are going on in the cotton yarn markets of Maharashtra, due to which, powerloom factories are facing massive losses.
“The strike is total in Malegaon, Ichalkiranji, Sholapur, Dhule, Veeta, Yeola, Nagpur, Kamptee and Tarapur and around 70 percent in Bhiwandi, the reason for which is that, units operating in far-flung areas of Bhiwandi may not be aware about the strike. This one day strike will mean losses of around Rs 100-120 million for the industry.
“On December 8, a meeting of all powerloom associations in Maharashtra was held in Mumbai, in which it was decided to go on a strike on December 28. Cotton yarn markets should be stable; however the traders are resorting to hoarding of yarn and speculation of the same, which has led to a surge and fluctuations in yarn prices.
“50 percent of the powerlooms in the country are operating in Maharashtra. In our state, the rates of electricity are very high, while in other states it is low. Currently we are paying Rs 3 per unit against which we are demanding electricity at Rs 1.80 per unit. If this is not done, the powerloom industry will shift to other states and create unemployment problems in our state”.
Giving details on the next plan of action in case the objectives of the strike are not met, he informed, “This is our first step. In the last week of January, we will go to Delhi and have a sit-in strike for a single day. We will meet the Prime Minister and the Textile Minister to represent our case and will represent the government to extend financial help to the powerloom sector”.
Fibre2fashion News Desk - India
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