The Indian Texpreneurs’ Federation (ITF) has sought a few policy change and proactive Textile Ministry to make the TN textile sector vibrant and help achieve its vision. In a memorandum submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ITF Secretary D Prabhu has categorically stated that the Federation is not seeking sops or subsidies, but better support from the Centre to do business with ease.

Prabhu said that the Textile Commissionerate in Mumbai had released an Expression of Interest (EOI) from audit firms to clear pending TUF claims, but for no known reasons it has not taken off and the matter put in cold storage again. The Federation appeals to the Prime Minister to intervene and resolve the issue as huge amounts remain locked up.

ITF also highlighted other issues such as the need for rationalisation of duty structure on man-made fibres, imposing sourcing restrictions on duty-free import of apparels from Bangladesh and LDCs (least developed countries), and expediting FTAs with Russia, the EU, and other emerging markets.

Notwithstanding such issues, the mill sector has drawn up a roadmap to train and place one lakh workers under the Pradhan Mantri Koushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). This will help them gain maximum benefit in standardisation of job roles and work practices.

Already over 135 member mills of the federation have enrolled as training providers and imparted training to 6,500 workers in the first phase. Another 7,500 workers have been enrolled for the second batch in four months.

According to industry insider, there is some disconnect between the TN textile sector and the Ministry of Textiles at the Centre. There are many burning issues such as undue delay in disbursement of TU subsidy, lifting the TUF black-out period (between June 29, 2010 and April 27, 2011), and scrapping the hank yarn obligation, among others, remained unaddressed. They look forward to a constructive dialogue to achieve the targeted growth and usher in a transformational change.

For this to happen, they will need the powers-that-be in the sector to visit this region, understand their concerns, and address them without delay.