Textile agitation total

SURAT, March 9: The indefinite agitation launched by texturisers from South Gujarat to protest against the levy of ad valorem Excise duty was fairly successful on the first day, affecting processing of about 750 tonne yarn. Yarn merchants and brokers also extended their support to the agitation by observing a day8217;s token strike on Tuesday.

Though an important cog in the multi-dimensional textile industry, it will take at least one week for the impact of the agitation by South Gujarat Texturisers Association to become manifest on other sectors.

The daily turnover of the the texturising trade which provides direct employment to about Rs 28,000 is Rs 75 crore. The first day8217;s closure must have costed the Excise department more than Rs 1.60 crore in revenue.

The weavers will face problems if the strike prolongs for more than a week.

A delegation of association office-bearers will leave for Delhi late tonight. They will call on Union Textile Minister Kashiram Rana and other government officials on Wednesday.