Highlighting the importance of the Textiles Sector to the State’s Economy, the Textiles Department, Government of Maharashtra organised a Seminar on ‘Textiles in Maharashtra: Golden Weave for Economic Growth’, as part of the Make in India Week being held in Mumbai. The mega event is being organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in partnership with Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) and the Government of Maharashtra.  

The Seminar highlighted the massive impact of the textiles sector in terms of output, exports and employment. The sector is also a huge employment generator for both skilled and unskilled labour and accounts for 11.4 per cent of India’s textiles and apparel output. The Seminar discussed the importance of the textiles sector in Maharashtra and the prominence of Textile Parks across the State. 

India’s textiles sector is one of the oldest industries in Indian economy dating back several centuries. Even today, textiles sector is one of the largest contributors to India’s exports with approximately 11 per cent of total exports. The textiles industry is also labour intensive and is one of the largest employers.  

Maharashtra contributes to about 11.4% to India’s textiles and apparel output and is the 2nd largest employer in Maharashtra and contributes to 28% of India’s total exports. The Textile Policy of Maharashtra 2011 - 17 emphasizes establishing processing units at various levels for the assured long term development, expansion of the textile industry and growth of employment in the State. 

The Seminar deliberated on the present status of the textile sector in the State and also addressed various concern areas pertaining to technological upgradation, Research and Development and encouragement of inter-firm linkages. 

The Seminar was attended by Mr Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra along with Government and industry leaders. 

While addressing the Inaugural session, Mr Fadnavis said that the World is looking at the new investment destination and India has the potential to grab the opportunity to become the next investment destination. He further added that these opportunities are available presently and we should try to take necessary actions, steps and investments now to attract investments in India.

Mr Fadnavis suggested that to increase the value addition, it is important to develop integrated and seamless ecosystem as part of the farm to fabric initiative. Through value addition we will be able to provide good prices to the farmers. 

He said that Raymonds has announced investment of Rs 1,400 crore in manufacturing linen yarn, fabric and garments during the Make in India Week. This will likely create 10,000 direct jobs and indirectly generate employment of another 10,000.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister lauded the Textile Industry for their efforts, contribution for promoting the textile industry and leveraging more investments. He assured that the Government of Maharashtra will hand hold the industry and will try to provide good infrastructure and good services to make Maharashtra a Textile hub.  

Mr Sunil Porwal, Additional Chief Secretary (Textiles), Government of Maharashtra said that Government of Maharashtra was the first State to introduce the Textile Policy and implement it successfully. He said that there are a few issues which need to be addressed like availability of raw material on international prices, FDI, implementation of GST regime and more R&D centres. Mr Porwal also mentioned that for the growth of the textile industry, Maharashtra Government has announced capital subsidy for the self-financed projects in the state.  

Dr Swadheen S Kshatriya, Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra said that Hon’ble Chief Minister Inaugurated the textile park at Nandgaonpeth MIDC (industrial colony) and such parks would be established in eight other places in the state's cotton-belt.  

Mr Subhash Desai, Minister of Industries, Maharashtra said that the textile park will be developed in the Agri-Cotton zone. It will generate massive employment opportunities. Textile is important for women employment. He mentioned that upto 50% subsidy on investment is available by the Central and State Government. 

The Seminar addressed by the Senior Industry Leaders and Senior Government Officials and witnessed the presence of Industry Captains, Senior Representatives from all business verticals, senior representatives from foreign organizations, and Investors (national and international) among others.
 

Mumbai
^14th February 2016