Tamil Nadu drawing up textile policy

The Tamil Nadu government is planning to introduce a New Integrated Textile Policy. Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister O Panneerselvam, in his Budget speech, said the policy would aim to develop and strengthen the handloom, powerloom and knitwear and garment sectors.

Without sharing details, he said, the policy would give focus to sunrise sectors like technical textiles, besides a comprehensive strategy to increase export of these products. The Tiruppur Exporter’s Association, along with other industry associations, had requested the state government to provide eight per cent interest subsidy and 10 per cent capital subsidy, under the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme.

Other demands include constitution of a knitwear board, incentives for setting up of technical textile units, effluent treatment plants, dedicated power stations and power tariff subsidy.

The industry also says the minimum wages prescribed for the apparel sector in Odisha and Telangana are lower than in Tamil Nadu. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Odisha have announced new textile policies, which have attracted entrepreneurs.