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The first meeting of reconstituted All India Powerloom Board was held here today. The meeting was chaired by Union Textiles Minister, Shri Shankarsinh Vaghela. Senior officers of the Ministry of Textiles, representatives of State Government, banks and powerloom industry, participated in the meeting.
Textiles Minister stressed on the need for technological upgradation of the powerloom industry to ensure successful participation in the globalization process and called upon the powerloom sector to exploit the opportunities offered by various Government schemes. Industry representatives listed various impediments facing the sector and gave valuable suggestions. It was pointed out that though powerloom sector accounts for about 65% of the cloth production, its share in the drawal of government subsidies has been in the range of 1-2%. Banks’ and State Governments’ representatives listed various steps taken for furthering the interests of powerloom sector. Secretary (Textiles), Joint Secretary (Powerloom) and Textile Commissioner apprised the gathering of various measures adopted and contemplated for the powerloom sector. A pilot project for linkage between 50 identified exporters and identified fabric producers for participation in the programme of upgradation of quality of fabrics. It was announced that Government targeted to install / upgrade 60,000 shuttleless looms within the remaining 10th Plan period. The following key issues that require immediate attention emerged after deliberations:
- Collateral security for loans should be done away with
- Back-ended payment of subsidy should be reviewed
- State Governments be asked ensure power supply to powerlooms
- Schemes/procedures should be publicized in regional language
- Subsidy under 20% CLCS should be released with bank loans.
NCJ/NSR
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