1.5 Lakh Textiles Workers to Be Trained By March 2012
Rs 350 Crore Textiles Park to be Set up in Africa
Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Textiles Meets
Union Minister of Commerce, Industry and Textiles Shri Anand Sharma has exhorted textiles industry to improve its competitiveness at the global stage. Speaking at the Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Textiles, Shri Sharma said “besides nurturing what we have, it is essential to remain globally competitive. Increasing employability and staying competitive are key objective for us.” The Parliamentary Consultative Committee discussed Integrated Skill Development Scheme (ISDS) and Scheme for Integrated Textiles Parks (SITP).
Shri Sharma informed the members that the Indian Textiles Industry has an overwhelming presence in the economic life of the country. The sector contributes 14% of industrial production, 4% of GDP and 10.63% of country’s export earnings. It provides direct employment to over 35 million people, which includes a substantial number of SC/ST, and women. The Textiles sector is the second largest provider of employment after agriculture. Plan allocation of Textiles under the 11th FYP was Rs. 14000 Crores which was enhanced by Rs. 5000 Crores to Rs. 19000 Crores. Government has formulated the National Fibre Policy to provide a holistic boost to the development of the sector.
On Integrated Skill Development Scheme (ISDS), the Minister explained that it focuses on creation of a large variety of skills – from basic to specialized – to meet the needs of the industry. The Textile sector is the second largest employment generating sector and requires a diversified portfolio of skills both across sub sectors and across processes. Skill creation under this sector is therefore strongly linked to quality standards and competitiveness, especially in export markets. As on date, 18 institutions are being funded under the first component and 12 organizations have been selected under the second. Ministry is developing a skill exchange portal and an MIS portal. These portals will help improve scheme implementation. Under the scheme projects amounting to Rs. 423 Crores for component I and Rs. 60 Crores for Component II approved and against Target of 2.5 lac textiles workers to be trained, a target of 1.5 lac workers would be achieved by March 2012.
On Scheme for Integrated Textiles Parks (SITP) the Minister informed that in the 11th Five year plan 40 Integrated Textile Parks were sanctioned, with a financial allocation of Rs. 1400 Crores. Of these, 7 parks have been completed, 14 parks have drawn 90% of grants and 15 parks are in progress. Government has sanctioned 21 new parks in October 2011 to generate Rs.9000 Crores worth of investment in the textile sector and create employment for 4 lakh workers. SITP scheme has attracted international attention and PM has announced setting up of an Integrated Textile Park in Africa with an outlay of Rs 350 Crores under the India Africa Forum Summit II Declaration.
Minister also informed the members about the recently approved packages for weavers.
Shri Mahendra Kumar Roy of Jalpai-guri raised the issues pertaining to the jute sector and asked the government look into the problems of jute growers and mill workers. Shri P Vishwanath raised the issue of Kancheepuram textiles industry. Shri Kanjibhai Patel sought details about the PPP component of the ISDS scheme and the criteria of selection of SITPs.
Minister of State Smt Panabaka Lakshmi, Secretary Textiles Smt Rita Menon, senior officers and key stakeholders were also present.
