PROCESSING AND FINISHING

Processing is the weakest link in the textile production chain, and results in loss of potential value. To bring about the necessary improvement:

• Government will encourage setting up of modern processing units, meeting international quality and environmental norms;
• The network of CAD/CAM, computerised colour matching and testing facilities will be expanded, particularly in the clusters of the decentralised textile centres;
• Research support will be extended in achieving ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 standards; and
• Thrust will be given on development of eco-friendly dyes, including natural and vegetable dyes, and on energy conservation.

CLOTHING

The role of this sector is poised for radical changes in view of the changes in the international trading environment brought about by the rules and regulations of the WTO. The industry will be restructured as follows:

• The office of the Textile Commissioner will focus attention on the development of the garment industry;
• Garment industry will be taken out of the SSI reservation list;
• Joint ventures and strategic alliances with leading world manufacturers will be promoted;
• Schemes with necessary infrastructural facilities for the establishment of textile/apparel parks will be designed with the active involvement of State Governments, Financial Institutions and the private sector; and
• setting up of strong domestic retail chains to ensure easy availability of branded Indian products will be encouraged.

JUTE INDUSTRY

The jute industry in India is beset with many problems, including competition from the synthetic sector, high labour cost, obsolescence of machinery and uneconomic working. These factors have led to large scale sickness in the industry.

The approach for the jute sector will be directed towards reviving the jute economy through supportive measures covering research and development; technology upgradation; creation of infrastructure for storage and marketing of raw jute; and product and market development activities for jute and diversified jute products.

The Mandatory Jute Packaging Order will be reviewed from time to time in the interest of the jute farmers, jute industry and the end-user sectors. Simultaneously, steps will be taken to enable the industry to become cost and quality competitive in domestic and international markets based on the inherent strength of jute as an environment-friendly fibre.

Organisations like JMDC (Jute Manufacturers Development Council) and NCJD (National Centre for Jute Diversification) specifically set up for the overall growth and development of the industry will be appropriately strengthened.