Textile sector can create 50 lakh new jobs in 10 years: CII study

The Tamil Nadu textile industry is all set to become a $ 40-50 billion industry by 2015, with the potential to create as many as 50 lakh new jobs, according to a CII Study on 'Mapping of Human Resource Skills in Tamil Nadu 2015'.

The study says that the textile sector, one of Tamil Nadu's high growth sectors, is projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12-13 per cent. It estimates that the current man power requirement in the sector, which is about 45-50 lakh people, is likely to touch 95 to 100 lakh by 2015.

The study points out that the textile industry is highly depended on the government policy support, development in retailing and technology, supply-chain integration and the impacts of WTO and globalisation.

Tamil Nadu is well positioned to capitalise on the post-WTO scenario, since the state has an established textile industry base. Home to more than 40 per cent of the large and medium sized spinning mills in India, the state produces one-third of the Indian spun yarn. It also enjoys a leadership position in spinning, weaving, knitted fabric and apparel segments, the study says.

Spinning, weaving and processing have matured as high capital intensive and low labour intensive segments of the textile industry while knitting and garmenting have evolved as low capital and high labour intensive.

The study also says that at present, the spinning sector focuses on cotton procurement, adoption of modern manufacturing practices and eliminating wastage at all levels. This segment increasingly needs multi-tasking/multi skilling at the operator's level and automation.

However, it lacks personnel with commercial orientation in wastage reduction and good inter-personal skills at the junior level. It also lacks people with persuasive skills, team building, problem solving, knowledge on latest technological advances and commercial orientation at the supervisory level, it points out.

In weaving & knitting, the skill gaps exists with non-availability of workers with interpersonal skills and quality orientation. Moreover, the industry finds it difficult to recruit supervisory staff with team building and problem solving ability, and knowledge on latest technologies.

In processing, the industry needs workers with strong CNC operational knowledge, quality orientation, ability to operate computer-aided colour matching skills and maintenance skills. At the supervisory level, the skill gaps identified are: managing attrition, expertise in sourcing needs to improve, team building and problem solving and technical knowledge.

In garments, the industry needs workers with good communication skill, active supervision, training skills and aptitude for repetitive jobs. At the supervisory level, the garment industry does not have enough people with good communication skill, knowledge of fabrics and aptitude for active supervision.

The study expects the productivity levels in the textile sector to go up in the wake of increased competition, technology infusion and supply-chain dynamics.