TN industry clusters seek 'town of excellence' status

Industry clusters in Tamil Nadu have sought ‘town of excellence’ status to their respective towns.

Representatives from various clusters met commerce secretary Rahul Khular in this regard here on Thursday. Khular was in the city to participate in Federation of Indian Export Organisations’ annual general meeting.

The clusters include powerloom (Erode, Coimbatore and Salem), textile industry (Tirupur) and leather industry (Ambur).

According to the representatives, the status would help the clusters, especially small and medium enterprises, in getting financial assistance directly from the commerce ministry and enable them to improve their infrastructure. Besides, it would improve the work conditions of the powerloom workers.

Though the Technology Upgradation Fund scheme is being implemented through the Powerloom Development and Export Council, rural infrastructure needs to be holistically developed in major powerloom belts, they said.

The home textile sector that includes madeups from powerloom or processed fabric should also be given a 2 per cent incentive for exports to the US and European Union. This would benefit the madeup cluster in Karur, they added.

Khular asked them to come out with a specific project report pertaining to the clusters. “Based on which we would give financial and other infrastructure supports,” he said.