Government keen to enhance textile production in MP: Rao

Union Textiles Minister Kavuru Sambasiva Rao today said the government is committed to improving production of textile in Madhya Pradesh, after inaugurating the modernised New Bhopal Textile Mill here.
"Government is committed to improve textiles production in the state. Issues of livelihood are integral to the sector as it is the second biggest employment generator in the country after agriculture," Rao said.
The modernisation of the New Bhopal Textile Mill was undertaken for development along with Burhanpur Tapti Mills by the National Textile Corporation (NTC).
"I am sure that with the support of the Textiles Ministry, the New Bhopal Textile Mills will prove to be a catalyst of industrial development in the region," the minister added.

As per the approved scheme of the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR), in the first phase in 2008, the NTC had replaced 16,848 spindles and commissioned 25,200 new spindles at the cost of Rs 26.42 crore.
"This resulted in increase of production from 1,800 kg per day to 5,000 kg, which meant that even after providing Modified Voluntary Retirement Scheme (MVRS) to surplus workers, about 380 workers started getting wages everyday, which invariably secured employment for about 600 local families in the long run," Rao said.

In order to utilise the promise shown by the New Bhopal Textile Mill, its production and ability of workers, the NTC has approved the second phase of modernisation, the minister said.

"Under the second phase, Rs 81 crore have been sanctioned for setting up modernised machines which would increase the production from the present 5,000 kg per day to 14,000 kgs and generate employment for 650 workers every day. Besides, its turnover would also increase to Rs 72 crore per year," he added.
"The government is committed to improve textiles production in the state. Issues of livelihood are integral to the sector as it is the second biggest employment generator in the country after agriculture," an official release said.
Speaking on the occasion, State Urban Administration and Development Minister Babulal Gaur emphasised on the need to revive closed textile mills in Madhya Pradesh for the benefit of weavers.