The number of power looms that once stood at 14 lakhs is now down to six lakhs. Among the many challenges that the cluster is facing is the cheaper Chinese fabric that is almost 25 to 30 percent lower in prices. Other issues include demonetisation and GST which have also caused the reduction in the number of looms. Upgrading the skills of workers is also being seen as an issue that needs to be addressed.
The local traders are looking at more Government support that includes subsidy for electricity, fixed prices of yarn, modernisation of the textile industry to compete with China and steady, unchanged government policies.
This apart there is an urgent need to improve working conditions for the weavers as well as have better infrastructure in the region that is currently struggling with narrow roads and high pollution. The textile manufacturers association and Government need to meet and iron out many of these issues to help ensure that Bhiwandi regains its lost lustre as far as its weaving is concerned.
There is an urgent need that key stakeholders that include the loom owners, yarn suppliers, state administrators, municipality, and textile commissioner office talk to each other to make sure that the village is up and running soon.
Read the full story that first appeared in Apparel’s April-June 2024 issue here:
Leave a Reply