New Delhi, Jan. 19: The Commerce, Industry and Textiles Minister, Mr Anand Sharma, on Thursday said the Government may provide an additional package to small weavers.
Referring to the recent initiatives for small weavers such as loan waiver and special package worth around Rs 6,500 crore, Mr Sharma said, “When the time comes, and if need be, we will revisit and do more,” including to support and train them.
Mr Sharma was speaking after inaugurating ‘Tex Trends India 2012', an official statement said. Tex Trends exhibition aims to provide the biggest platform in Asia to exporters and buyers by bringing together the best in Indian garments and accessories, fabrics, home furnishings and made-ups, Indian handicrafts, handlooms, jute and carpets – all under one roof.
Gainful employment
Mr Sharma said, “Textile industry provides gainful employment to large number of people. The sector contributes to 14 per cent of industrial production, 4 per cent of the GDP and 10.63 per cent of the country's export earnings. It provides direct employment to over 35 million people. The event (Tex Trends) will showcase the country's huge potential as an exporting country and will offer a great variety for its global buyers.”
On India's overall export performance, the Minister said that given the difficult international climate, India may just about touch its export target of $300 billion for 2011-12.
The Government has allocated over Rs 15,000 crore in Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme, the Minister informed, adding that the scheme will continue in the next Five-Year Plan. On the Scheme for Integrated Textiles Parks (SITP), he informed that in the 11th Five-Year Plan, 40 Integrated Textile Parks were sanctioned, with a financial allocation of Rs 1,400 crore. He also referred to the 24 National Textiles Corporation Mills that have been revived recently.
Ms Rita Menon, Chairman and Managing Director, India Trade Promotion Organisation, said, “Tex Trend 2010 had helped in generating exports of $185 million last year.” She added that about 1,000 buyers will be visiting the fair this time. Among the participants in Tex Trends India 2012 are about 600 exhibitors, 10 textile Export Promotion Councils, National Jute Board, and buyers from countries including the US, the UK, Turkey, Japan, Spain and South Africa. The Textiles Secretary, Ms Kiran Dhingra, was present at the occasion.
Source : thehindubusinessline.com