Lack of low-cost training centres and scarcity of skilled workers pose to be some of the major problems of the garment manufacturers and dealers in the state.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 35th garments buyers and sellers meet, Vijay Kariwala, vice-president, West Bengal Garment Manufacturers and Dealers Association (WBGM&DA) said, “The state had been traditionally an important hub for readymade garments with important clusters in Metiaburuz and Fulia. The industry, 80 percent of which is unorganised, lacks proper infrastructure. Besides this, there is the problem of scarcity of skilled labour." Roughly, a small scale readymade manufacturing unit requires 15-20 skilled workers, but there are hardly any.
"There are some training centres in the state which are unaffordable to the poor. Upgrading skill is very important, we want the government to set up low-cost training institutes which we can avail," said Kariwala.
State minister for micro and small scale enterprises and textiles, Manabendra Mukherjee, said, “Skilled worker is not a problem. The government is working on providing worldclass infrastructure. Some textile parks have already been commissioned. By 2011, we hope to set up 8-9 textile parks either through joint ventures with private partners or independently.”
The minister said that the government plans to procure and distribute saris to below poverty line women through public distriibution system to boost domestic demand in the initial phase.
The minister expressed confidence to start a pilot project in this calender year. The export front recorded a 10-15 per cent drop in Q1 of 2009-2010 compared to the same period last fiscal. The 35th buyer seller meet has attracted some 100 local brands this year as against 89 brands last year.
“We did business worth Rs 60 crore last year. With more brands this year, we hope to cross Rs 100 crore business this year," said C M Ladha. president, (WBGM&DA).