Kerala Industries minister A C Moideen at the joint meeting of the state textile sector trade union leaders and management representatives convened to evolve solutions to the problems faced by textile workers informed that officials has been directed to open all the defunct spinning mills in the state on an immediate basis.

In the first phase revival plan, the minister ordered to release Rs 15 crore for procuring raw materials and repair works. As lack of working capital, raw material and unable to pay electricity charge dues and other statutory installments had affected the functioning of textile mills.

However, lack of modernized tools, hike in prices of yarn in the domestic market and the demonetisation effect of the union government led to closure of the market resulting in the crisis for the textile sector.

It was also decided at the meet to constitute an expert committee to study the problems confronting each of the textile mills and to offer appropriate solutions for its growth.

The committee is expected to submit a report of the study within three months. The meet also decided to open the closed textile mills and to ensure electricity supply, to set up a centralized purchase system and to constitute review committee in a timely manner.