New Delhi, May 24: Describing the sector as a major employment generator, the new Textiles Minister Shankersinh Vaghela today said he would take all measures to prepare the industry to face international competition in the wake of phasing out of quotas from January 2005. "My attempt would be to prepare the industry to face international competition, especially from China. The aim would also be to get some special concessions to prepare it for the post-quota regime," Vaghela said soon after taking over charge.
Outlining his priorities for the uplift of the sector, Vaghela said he would pay special attention to the jute sector of West Bengal as it was passing through difficult times.
He said efforts would also be made to see that the sector, which is the second highest employment generator, was able to generate more jobs and help in tackling the problem of unemployment in the country. Terming labour welfare as one of the focus areas, he said proceeds from national textiles corporation's land sales would be directed towards workers' good and a completely transparent and open method would be followed for this.
Bureau Report