Micro and small textile and garment units in Ludhiana are urging the Punjab Government to equip them with the latest technology by starting new schemes.

Harish Kairpal, President, Ludhiana MSME Association, says, once a leader in India, the Ludhiana garment and textile industry now lags behind other states. Other states, particular in South India have adapted latest technologies. The government should upgrade the existing units in Ludhiana and support entrepreneurs financially to adopt new machinery and technology, he adds.

Narinder Mittal, General Secretary, Ludhiana Business Forums, says, the Ludhiana garment and textile units are suffering as a significant percentage of their total business has been taken over by other states. The state government should take appropriate measures like starting unconditional technology upgrade fund scheme for old units to help these units adopt new techniques.”

AtulSaggar, General Secretary, Apparel Manufacturers Association Ludhiana, adds, the new state government should subsidize the purchase of new machinery and open a technology upgrade centreto guide the garment units about the latest technologies. This centre should also give assistance in buying and setting up new machinery, he adds further.