'Generation of innovative ideas is our motto'

Q&A/ KK Goswami

With a view to aid and support the carpet industry, the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) "" Bhadohi, has planned out a number of steps to be undertaken by the institute in the coming days.

KK Goswami - director, IICT, discusses the institute's future plans with Pallavi Bisaria

Tell us something about the origin of the institute?

IICT has been set up by Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, to provide much needed support to textile, carpet and allied Industries. It is affiliated to Uttar Pradesh Technical University, Lucknow and is approved by AICTE.

The institute is also a member of Indian Society for Technical Education, and CII and recognised by Textile Institute, Manchester, UK.

What are the main courses run by the institute?

The Institute started functioning from 2001 and at present is running a B.Tech. Course in Carpet & Textile Technology.

Besides, B.Tech course, the Institute is running industry-based Short Term Training Courses in Design, Dyeing and Computer Application & Management. In collaboration with Canesis Network Ltd., New Zealand our Institute offers Distance Learning Programme in Wool /Carpet /Textiles.

How is the response from the industry to the intake of students?

Encouraged by the over whelming response of the industry, the institute has extended its existing B.Tech course providing scope for additional disciplines- Home Textile Technology and Textile Design Technology as a specialisation in the final year, also we intend to upgrade our present batch of 60 to 90 students by the year 2010.

What is Kaleen Bandhu?

IICT has visualised Kaleen Bandhu (KB), which is a forum for interaction of innovative ideas relating to management and technical up grades in the carpet and textile industry of India. It has periodical interactive meetings of members of KB on various issues time to time.

Who are the members of Kaleen Bandhu?

We intent to incorporate each segment involved in the making of the carpet. Be it weaver, manufacturer, exporter and also the importer. Presently we have 11 members in the KB. We are also in talking terms with some importers from the US interested in KB membership.

What are the initiatives taken by KB for the support of industry?

In recent times, we have seen that though India leads in terms of volume in exports, it lags behind in value for its products.

To overcome this problem, KB has proposed to develop its own 'label'. KB will market the products based on a set of parameters involving social consciousness like child labour, eco- friendliness, fair wages and specifications for quality control.

How will the label help the exporters?

Once the industry is found suitable and adhere to our verifications, it will be given the Kaleen Bandhu label.

The labeled products will be in a better position to compete in the international market as they will ensure social consciousness.