New Delhi: Centre on November 4, urged the state governments to fast-track approvals in setting up of textile parks, which are expected to create 4.5 lakh jobs with an investment of Rs 30,000 crore.
"I would like to point out that there are difficulties in getting environmental clearances in several states. I would urge the state governments to show interest on this issue and expedite much-needed clearances," Textile Minister Gangwar said while addressing the state textile ministers conference.
The minister informed that till now, 72 textile parks have been sanctioned under the Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP), which are expected to provide employment to 4.5 lakh people with an investment of Rs 30,000 crore.
"On textile parks, we need more cooperation from state governments. We find that in a number of cases, entrepreneurs are facing difficulties in getting land, in getting clearances, in getting electricity connection," Textiles Secretary S K Panda said. Besides, the minister said a modified Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) will be introduced shortly.
"TUFS had earlier faced difficulties... We had appealed to the Prime Minister that the scheme should be continued in a more organised manner. Therefore, the government is coming out with a modified TUFS scheme, which will be unveiled shortly," Gangwar said.
TUFS is being revised to support employment generating and export oriented segments to meet challenges in global market, he said. TUFS was introduced in 1999 to catalyse investments in all the sub-sectors of textiles and jute industry by way of 5 per cent interest reimbursement.
"We have assured the Prime Minister that apparel and garment units will be functional in every north-eastern state in the country by December. Each unit will be set up with an investment of Rs 18.18 crore, with land provided by respective state governments. We believe that the unit in every state will generate 1,500-2,000 jobs from December," Gangwar said. During 2014-15, Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) procured over 46 lakh bales cotton from 341 centres across the country.
This year too, the cotton production is good although Punjab is facing some difficulties. Cotton production is likely to be good this year as well. The minister also spoke about the cotton production in the country, and said that for the first time, payments will be electronically transferred directly to bank accounts of cotton farmers. Besides, he said, the government was making efforts to diversify jute products, especially through women self-help groups and has opened Common Facility Centres in Bihar, West Bengal and Assam.
On increasing silk production, he said an Integrated Silk Production Scheme (ISPS) has been started in the North-East states with an outlay of Rs 722 crore. Terming employment generation a "challenge", Gangwar said Textile Ministry has spent Rs 1,900 crore under the 12th five- year plan to train 15 lakh people under the Integrated Skill Development Scheme (ISDS). He said 4.6 lakh people have already been trained under the ISDS till October, and two lakh people have secured jobs.
Noting that the ministry requested 15 state governments to train 2 lakh people, he said only 12,000 people have been trained till now, urging states to expedite training under the ISDS. On Integrated Processing Development Scheme (IPDS), which started in October 2013, he pointed out that "no progress" has been made on it, and the government is making efforts to rejuvenate the scheme.
Terming processing as the "lifeline" of the textile sector, Gangwar said processing units are forced to shut down due to non-compliance with stringent environment norms. He requested state governments to facilitate early clearances for textile processing projects, so that funds can be released for the same. Pointing out that procurement of capital intensive technology for water harvesting is very "difficult" he said the Textile Ministry has approved four such proposals including three in Rajasthan, one in Punjab and is considering a proposal from Tamil Nadu. Gangwar also unveiled the redesigned website of the Textile Ministry.
Besides, Textile Secretary Panda Common Facility Centres are being set up in handicrafts sector as well. He appealed to state governments to give additional assistance to powerlooms. Panda urged states to allocate more funds under State Plan Schemes in the silk sector.
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