Sm Smriti Zubin Irani at the ICC

HnExpress Samrat Gupta, Kolkata : “Industry has to take active part in diversification of Jute. Craft and Textile elements of every districts of West Bengal need to be identified and joined with ecommerce opportunities.” Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, Hon’ble Minister of Textile, Govt of India, told it on Saturday at the ICC interaction titled “Indian Textile Industry: Opportunities & Challenges” in Kolkata.

Smt. Smriti Irani focused on the need for enhancement of productivity of the small manufacturers for assisting them to become mid and large sized firms. She felt that the need of the hour is to teach the artisans to protect their design identity through patents and guide the small manufacturers through the process of designing, forecasting and exports.

Ms. Irani mentioned that, Indian Chamber has a huge role to play here. She categorically mentioned that economic growth has to happen in an interconnected way with government, industry and civil society joining hands in the process. While speaking on the Indian cotton industry, Ms. Irani informed the audience that India has better varieties of cotton than the Egyptian cotton and that even British Pound is made from India cotton. Focusing on the special needs of the domestic consumers, she stated that Industry needs to keep abreast of the international trends.

Regarding Government initiatives, Hon’ble Minister mentioned that the Government of India is focusing on infrastructure development, building capacity in the textile lines and providing subsidies for education and skill development of the weavers.

Mr. Rudra Chatterjee, President, ICC in his welcome address highlighted the very important role of textiles in employment generation and exports. Touching upon the glorious history of Indian textiles and its role in the Indian freedom movement, he argued that industry should focus on its development and value addition for the society at large.

Mr Mayank Jalan, Sr. Vice President, ICCcalled for a concerted effort to preserve the heritage of the Indian textile industry. He mentioned that Indian hand-woven fabrics are losing out in international competition and needs a special impetus.

Mr. Keshav Bhajanka, Chairman Young Leaders Forum (YLF), ICC offered the formal Vote of Thanks.