IIT Kanpur Seeks Surat Textile Expert’s Inputs on UP Policy

SURAT: Surat’s textile expertise is set to find a place in Uttar Pradesh’s policy-making exercise, with IIT Kanpur inviting MANTRA Director Dr Pankaj Gandhi to contribute to a review of the state’s textile and handloom policies.

The Government of Uttar Pradesh has entrusted IIT Kanpur with evaluating its existing policies and identifying measures to strengthen the sector. As part of the exercise, IIT Kanpur is bringing together experts from textile clusters across the country.

Dr Gandhi will participate in the October 3 policy dialogue at IIT Kanpur, where he is expected to share technical and industry-oriented recommendations based on his experience in research, manufacturing and textile technology.

The formal invitation was issued on August 21 by Dr Munmun Jha, Professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Kanpur and principal investigator of the policy study.

MANTRA, a textile research organisation associated with the Ministry of Textiles, works in areas including man-made textiles, technical textiles, technology development and industry-focused research.

Dr Gandhi’s professional exposure extends beyond India, with experience involving textile industries and stakeholders in Pakistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Taiwan and Bangladesh. His expertise spans fibre technology, manufacturing, industrial research and global textile markets.

The policy dialogue is expected to examine technology upgradation, advanced fibres, handloom modernisation, skill development, sustainable textiles, research-industry collaboration and global market integration.

Dr Gandhi, an SVNIT engineer who also received a Manchester, UK, fellowship in Textile Technology and Fibre Science, could bring a combination of academic, industrial and international perspectives to the discussions.

“Textile policy must remain closely connected with the realities of industry, technology and changing global markets,” the policy exercise emphasises through its focus on inputs from sector specialists.

The invitation is being viewed as significant for Surat, one of India’s major man-made textile hubs. It could provide an opportunity for the city’s industrial experience and research ecosystem to contribute to policy discussions beyond Gujarat.

IIT Kanpur will also manage the travel logistics for Dr Gandhi’s journey between Surat and Kanpur for the October 3 programme.