ministry of textiles

Union Cabinet Cleared Setting up of 21 Textile Parks

The Union Government on 8 November 2012 approved the release of funds for the establishment of 21 integrated textile parks which was sanctioned in the 11th Five Year Plan.

The cabinet committee on economic affairs (CCEA), in a meeting held in New Delhi also had committed the government to provide for liability beyond 200 crore Rupees.

It was in October 2010 that the CCEA had approved a proposal for setting up additional 21 integrated textile parks utilising the Rs.200 crore left in the 11th plan.

The parks were to be implemented during the 11th Five Year plan (2007-2012) under the Scheme of Integrated Textile Parks (SITP) aims at providing private sector investment, generating employment and a create a need-based and product-based world class infrastructure for the industry.

Now the establishment will extend up to 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17) and envisages a total investment of 819 crore rupees.

National Certification “Indian Standards for Organic Textiles” (ISOT) to
augment demand: Central Government
Objective of launching Indian Standards for Organic Textiles (ISOT):
· To boost the demand for organic textiles in major markets, including Europe and Japan, the Union government
launched National Certification Standards for organic textiles.
· National Certification Standards to take over the long-standing position of the Global Organic Textiles standards
(GOTS), which are private standards prevailing in the organic textiles industry.
With this step, India became the only country in the world to have introduced organic textiles standards at the
national level.
Current Affairs Published on www.gktoday.in from January 1, 2012 to
September 10, 2012
ISOT launched by Commerce, Industry and Textiles Ministry will be included under the National Programme for
Organic Productions (NPOP).
The NPOP includes standards for organic production and processing of agriculture crops along with certification
standards. Under this, all organic products are produced under a system of agriculture without the using chemical
fertilizers and pesticides.
Why the need for ISOT?
· Earlier, when there was no such certification, private norms existed in the country for organic textiles. The private
standards were not in accordance with the international standards. It was, therefore, imperative for India to introduce
the National Certification Standards to take over the long-standing position of the Global Organic Textiles standards
(GOTS), which are private standards prevailing in the organic textiles industry.
· India presently produces more than 1000 branded organic products which are supported by certification.
· The demand for Indian organic products such as tea, coffee, spices, basmati rice, cereals, garment, vegetables and
medicinal plants was found to be continuously rising in recent years as consumers’ have a preference for products
which are free from chemical residues.

Rs 35,000 Cr debt restructuring package for textile sector

The Centre agreed upon a Rs 35000 crore debt restructuring package to the textile sector. Step is taken to support the textile industry in this moment of crisis. Govt would issue directives to Banks to consider restructuring on priority and case to case basis. The Finance Ministry would examine, in consultation with RBI, a 2-year moratorium on term loans, special provision in NPA norms to avoid asset reclassification and working capital eroded to be converted into working capital term loans repayable over a period of 3-5 years.

What is Hastkala conclave?
It is an initiative taken by of Minister of Textiles, Government of India, to promote the treasure of handicrafts &
handlooms by establishing a linkage b/w Corporate, Industrial sector and the hand-made sector consisting of
handicrafts & handlooms through this channel. Industry chambers such as CII, FICCI, CITI have also extended their
support to make this initiative possible.
Role of this conclave:
· To promote band of Indian handicrafts and handlooms through recherché display-cum-exhibition of
handicrafts and handloom products by mastercraftmen/ weavers/ producers groups.
· Thematic display of the crafts of North East and Mega clusters.
· To unveil catalogue of Handicrafts and Handlooms.
· To explore retail potential.