T Rajakumar, Chairman, Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) feels the 2021-22 Union Budget will propel future growth of India’s textiles and clothing industry. However, the 10 per cent import duty on cotton is a severe blow to future prospects. Rajakumar also hails the government’s decision to set up seven textile parks within three years under Mega Investment Textile Parks (MITRA). It will help create world class infrastructure with plug and play facilities to enable create global champions in textile exports.

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for man-made fibres and technical textiles will not only make the textile industry globally competitive but also help it attract large investments and boost employment generation, adds Rajakumar further advising the government to reduce the customs duty on caproolctam, nylon chips and nylon fiber and yarn upto 5 per cent.

Rajkumar also welcomed rationalisation of exemption on import of duty-free items as an incentive to exporters of garments, leather, and handicraft items. The decision to allow women to work in all categories and also in night-shifts with adequate protection, as well as the modified definition of small companies: implementation of the 4 labor codes, minimum wages to all categories of workers, and all will be covered by the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) are steps in the right direction, Rajkumar said.