Gujarat : SGCCI Urges Swift Action on Gujarat’s New Textile Policy

Surat : Stakeholders from the thriving textile industry in Surat and the broader south Gujarat region have made a compelling plea to Gujarat Industries Commissioner Sandip Sagle, advocating for the swift formulation of Gujarat’s new textile policy. Led by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), the representatives emphasized the need for proactive measures to sustain Gujarat’s textile sector and ensure its competitiveness vis-à-vis other states.

A significant step in this direction was witnessed during a review meeting held by Gujarat Government’s Industries and Mines Department Additional Chief Secretary S.J. Haider and Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department J.P. Gupta in Gandhinagar. Attending the meeting were notable figures such as former SGCCI president Ashish Gujarati, Honorary Treasurer Kiran Thummar, and Bharat Gandhi, Chairman of FIASWI, among others.

The gathering, which encompassed stakeholders across the textile value chain—from weaving and spinning to processing and garmenting—saw active participation and presentations on the nuances of Gujarat’s prospective textile policy. Notably, Ajoy Bhattacharya, a key industry representative, was among those who shared insights during the session.

Central to the stakeholders’ submissions was the call for continuity in the support mechanisms outlined in Gujarat’s previous textile policy. Specific emphasis was placed on the continuation of vital provisions such as the 30% capital subsidy, 7% interest subsidy, and electrical subsidies for LT and HT power connections, which are pivotal for the industry’s sustenance and growth.

Highlighting the urgency of the matter, stakeholders underscored that Gujarat’s erstwhile textile policy had lapsed on December 31, 2023. Therefore, they strongly advocated for the immediate implementation of the new policy, with no intervening blackout period, effective from January 1, 2014.

Given Surat’s prominence as a hub for Man Made Fiber (MMF), participants proposed its explicit inclusion in Gujarat’s new textile policy, along with robust incentive schemes to foster the development of the MMF industry across the state.

In conclusion, all stakeholders urged for the expeditious announcement of Gujarat’s new textile policy before the onset of the Lok Sabha election code of conduct. In response, top Gujarat government officials reassured the industry of their commitment to timely action and equitable policy measures, underscoring the pivotal role of the textile sector in the state’s economic landscape.