The powerloom industry in Malegaon has seen many ups and downs in its development and it is one of the important industries of Maharashtra. Bearing in mind the past glories and bright future of the powerloom industry in Malegaon, the state government has decided to upgrade plain powerloom in Malegaon which are actually discarded machines.

The state government for upgrading plain powerlooms in Malegaon has sanctioned Rs 10,000 per loom. The looms can be upgraded with the attachment of the specially designed kits, the quality of the fabric and production is bound to improve immensely. The kits will give them a new lease of life and also will be helpful for the labourers who have to stand for 12 hours in front of the plain powerlooms.

The Malegaon Industries and Manufacturers Association (MIMA) has welcomed the state government’s decision and hope that the scheme will provide the much-needed boost to the local textile industry.

MIMA President Khurshid Ansari said that after following up with the government for finalisation of the In-Setu scheme, they are now working for its faster implementation. For this purpose, they have called a seminar-cum-demonstration session in Malegaon on February 19. Expert engineers from the textile commissioner's office will demonstrate the advantages of the upgradation kits to the weavers.

Khurshid said that the kits would not only improve fabric quality and production but will also cut production cost and provide smoother and hassle-free running of the machine. The kits are also coming with next generation motors to tackle low voltage - a regular feature in Malegaon.

Textile minister Arif Naseem Khan announced on Wednesday that the cabinet has sanctioned Rs 5 crore to provide financial assistance to 5,000 powerlooms in the first phase. The scheme will run simultaneously with the In-Setu scheme announced by the central government for Malegaon and Nagpur.