MODERNIZATION
OF POWERLOOMS MUST TO FACE GLOBAL MARKET
Modernization of power
looms has become a matter of utmost priority for us to remain
competitive in the market. Minister of State for Textiles Shri
Basanagouda R. Patil stated this in a letter addressed to the
Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri S.M. Krishna today. Shri Patil
stated that in the globalised market, evolving as a result of
WTO agreements, the decentralized powerloom sector is facing a
threat of import penetration and it cannot meet the global challenges
in terms of quality and pricing unless it replaces ordinary looms
with modern automatic looms.
He
pointed out that the uninterrupted power supply is one of the
basic requisites for modern looms. The demand for
low cost of power, assured supply and power-theft are issues
which have to be
resolved. He stated that he has requested the Chief Secretarys
of all major power loom States to initiate negotiations between
the power loom associations and the state electricity Boards to
find solutions in order to improve availability of reliable power
supply at reasonable rates.
The decentralized
power loom sector, while expressing reservations about the present
condition of power supply, has shown its willingness to install
captive power generation plants under Technology Upgradation Fund
Scheme (TUFS), if the State Electricity Boards permit.
In Maharashtra,
Tamil Nadu and Andhra power at subsidized rates are given to the
power loom sector. Shri Patil urged the Karnataka Chief Minister
to initiate suitable measure for providing uninterrupted power
supply at reasonable rates to power loom clusters in the State
and also examine if the power loom industry can be allowed to
install captive power generation facilities.
