“Sunset to sunrise” – Minister on textile sector

27 Oct '08

5 min read

The Minister said that Indian textiles and clothing exports were US$ 21.46 billion in 2007-08, registering a growth of 12.10% in dollar terms, he added. It is expected that in 2008-09 the textiles and clothing exports will be at least 15% more than what were achieved in 2007-08.

The textiles and clothing exports have diversified into new markets like GCC, Africa, Latin America, Russia and Oceania, and the buoyancy is reflected in the growth of 22.97% and 24.14% in dollar and rupee terms by textiles and clothing export in April-May 2008 {US $ 3.17 billion (Rs. 15,296 crore)}, compared to April-May 2007.

Shri Shankersinh Vaghela said that garmenting is an important segment of Indian Textiles Industry which employs around 5 million workers and has a great employment potential. The Apparel Training and Designs Centre (ATDC) is being opened at Godhra to provide training to both male and female apprentices to make them employable in the Apparel Industry. This measure will help in boosting the employability of local youth, said Vaghela

Shri Vaghela informed that the UPA Government gave a renewed impetus to the implementation of the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) and on the persistant demand of the Industry, it has been extended upto March 31, 2012.

During its initial years, the progress of the scheme was moderate and it gained momentum from 2004-05 onwards. From its inception till March 31, 2008, 18,773 applications have been sanctioned at an estimated project cost of Rs. 1,22,087 crore. During 2007-08, Rs. 43,700 crore was disbursed, registering a growth of 16.46% on year to year basis.

Shri Vaghela said 40 parks are being set up under the Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP) which will attract an investment of Rs. 21,502 crore, create employment both direct and indirect for 9.08 lakh workers and produce goods worth Rs. 38,115 crore annually.

Seven parks are being set up in Gujarat at Surat (5), Kutch (1) and Kheda (1). These parks will attract an investment of Rs. 3,035 crore, generate employment both direct and indirect for 98 thousand workers and produce goods worth Rs. 6,597 crore annually.

The Minister informed that as a part of a social welfare measure, UPA Government restructured and initiated Schemes to provide insurance coverage, including cashless OPD facilities, to handloom weavers, handicraft artisans and their families.

Press Information Bureau

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