India's minister of state for textiles, Darshana Jardosh, has stated that the government may consider implementing a new Technology Upgradation Fund (TUF) scheme. However, this can only be introduced once the approximately 1,500 pending cases under the old TUF scheme have been resolved. The previous scheme concluded in March 2022. Jardosh mentioned the potential new TUF scheme during the Textile Leadership Conclave 2023, which was organised by the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) in Ahmedabad on Saturday. 

GCCI made a compelling presentation to minister Jardosh, requesting the introduction of a new TUF scheme with retroactive effect from April 2022. During her address at the conclave, Jardosh assured the industry that the government will maintain a proactive approach to support the growth of Indian textiles. She said, “Technical textiles are a huge opportunity, and we will see growth in this segment.” 

The minister stated, "People across the world largely use man-made fibre. We use only 25 per cent of it. So, when the government announced the Production-Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) scheme, it was focused on technical textiles, ready-made garments, and man-made fibre. Of the 87 firms who have shown interest in the scheme, seven players are from Gujarat," Jardosh added. She also mentioned that efforts are being made to increase cotton yield. 

Jardosh congratulated GCCI for organising the Conclave and mentioned that this is a good initiative by GCCI of bringing 78 textile associations together from various parts of the country. She added that the government has always been supportive and will continue to do so in the future. 

The discussions during the Textile Interactive Meet covered many textiles related issues like current scenario of textile industry, growth plan, incentive and subsidies, taxation as well as cotton production. Textile industry leaders shared their concerns and suggestions about bringing synergy in the industry, and why the government should pay heed to the issues related to MMF, bamboo fibre, and wool, and levy a common GST duty across all fibres. Moreover, technology for enhancing the productivity of raw materials is the need of the hour, according to some leaders. 

A detailed presentation created by GCCI team showcasing a wide array of textile-related issues was presented on the occasion. This comprehensive presentation was created with the inputs received from textile-related regional and national associations as well as textile industry stakeholders. 

Pathik Patwari, GCCI president, said that 78 textile associations from all over India agreed that they will jointly put forward proposals before the ministry. About 40 of these associations were not from Gujarat. 

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)

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