Textile industry presents 21-point programme

CHANDIGARH, Dec 4: On the concluding day of the three-day conference on textile and clothing, Texcon 8217;99, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry, various representatives of the textile industry presented a 21-point action plan before Textile Commissioner B.C. Khatua that will enable them to achieve certain targets by 2010. These targets include increasing the per capita fibre consumption in India from the current 2.8 kg to 5 kg, which translates into a total fibre requirement of 9 million tonne. Also, increase exports to 50 billion or 6 per cent of world trade from the 11 billion or 3 per cent of global trade currently.

Vardhman Spinning Mills chairman and Managing Director O.P. Oswal said these goals can be achieved only if the garments sector is made the prime mover, for which certain steps should be taken. He suggested the strengthening of the composite character of the textile industry, de-reservation of knitting and garment industry and the need to remove the industry from the Essential Commodities Act.

Others moves suggested include modified and streamlined labour legislation, closing down of all non-viable enterprises so that they do not act as a drag-on on the healthier segments of the industry by way of subsidies and grants. The plan also suggests permission to foreign direct investment, setting up of more design centres on the lines of National Institute of Design, and promotion of quot;Indiaquot; brand image through better product design and development, innovative marketing strategies, quick response and service orientation.

The textile industry also claimed to be looking for a separate brand equity fund for textile and clothing.