Indian garment makers meet to discuss “Code of Compliance”

Shri V Srinivas Jt. Secretary Exports in the Ministry of Textiles said, “At present there are 145 enrolments from across India. Factory visits have been initiated in 78 of these, in NCR, Jaipur, Ludhiana, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Tirupur, Maudrai, Kolkatta. Of these 78 factories, 26 have completed atleast 3rd visit of the 6 visit DISHA training programme.

He added, “During the interaction with some of the DISHA participating factories during the distribution of the DISHA adoption certificates, last week, I was happy to know that the programme has given tangible benefit to factories in the areas of market access, productivity and worker relationship management and retention”. 

“As we all know, social and environment compliance has become an important requirement while supplying to the western markets. For India to remain competitive in this scenario, we have to focus intensively on two competitive levers; innovation and social compliance. Global apparel buyers are now insisting on full compliance with International and national labor standards, regulations and convention. I am happy that the programme has come out as a robust programme for addressing the industry's requirement for compliance management”, he concluded by saying.

JS Exports briefed that, “The Ministry is keen to run this programme in the 12th plan and beyond. We have a target of 2600 units by the end of this plan period. I feel this year was a preparatory year and we would need you feedbacks to make the programme more robust and effective. I would like to share with you that the programme has been received with great enthusiasm by the USTR and US Dept of Labour.

“USTR has expressed eagerness to enter into cooperation with us on various issues including this programme. The proposed MoU with USTR envisages sharing of knowledge and best practices in the areas of social compliance to strengthen such initiatives”.

Shri. Ashok Logani, Chairman DISHA Sub- Committee said, “Happy workers leads to less absenteeism & reduced over time leading to increased productivity and reduction in production cost. This is the philosophy behind our dedicated training on worker issues.  The DISHA champion’s team concept enhances relationship between apparel manufacturer and various dept heads in the middle management.

"DISHA is a space of interest to all the various stakeholders so that they can use their sphere of influence to converge people together to discuss and answer some very important questions. This platform, brought forward by the AEPC with the help of the government makes it imperative for all of us to come together to envision what the future should look like for the industry and others in the supply chain”.

Secretary Textiles, Smt. Kiran Dhingra IAS, last week distributed the DISHA adoption certificate to the ‘DISHA Champions’. 78 factories which have been reached out for the training and implementation under project DISHA. The six days training programme/ workshop aimed at the capacity building and greater awareness for the effective implementation of the programme.

Apparel Export Promotion Council