Textiles is not just an industry but a tradition, legacy presented to world: Smriti Irani
Jaipur, September 22: The textile is not just an industry, but also a tradition and a legacy which we present to the world through the magic of India’s handcrafts and machines. This was said by Textiles Minister Smriti Irani after inaugurating the 6th Edition of the 4-day international textiles and apparel fair VASTRA 2017, in Jaipur on Thursday.
Minister Smriti Irani said that in the growth of the textiles sector lies the growth of India and the growth of job opportunities. She also said that the textiles sector provides direct employment to over 45 million people and indirectly impacts close to another 20 million households. “The Government of India has brought in Rs. 6,000 crore package especially aimed at providing support to the textiles, apparel and made-ups sectors,” Minister Irani added.
On this occasion, while speaking about the success of the mega textiles event Textiles India 2017, the Minister said that Textiles India was an effort not only of the Government but an effort of the entire industry that wanted to tell the world in one voice, “Come, Make in India”. She added that nothing better says Make in India than Textiles in India.
Recounting the success of the Integrated Skill Development Scheme, Minister Irani also said that the success rate of placements of skilled workforce in textiles sector is now over 70%. She further said that the Government continues to engage with the trainees even after placement to ensure that individuals are able to sustain work in their work chain for at least 6 months.
The Textiles Minister also expressed satisfaction regarding the inclusion of design and other workshops in VASTRA 2017. She added that the beauty and variety of the designs that we have had historically in our nation are something that the Indian textiles sector can and does leverage internationally.
The Minister also added that the textiles industry presents many opportunities and that one of the biggest needs is to ensure synergy between government and industry. She appealed to the Minister of Industries of Rajasthan to bring about more engagement with buyers and industries in the technical textiles sector. Textiles Minister Smriti Irani also inaugurated an exhibition after the inaugural session and interacted with weavers, craftspersons and exhibitors.
Background:
VASTRA 2017 is an all-encompassing trade fair and conference on Textiles and Apparel presenting a fusion of the finest and the latest in textiles products. The event is jointly organized by Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investments Corporation Limited (RIICO) and Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is supported by the Government of Rajasthan. More than 50 countries and 13 Indian States are participating in VASTRA 2017.