Textile sector body to take off in two months

Ajit Kumar V in Coimbatore

AN umbrella body for the textile industry, confederation of Indian textile industry, will take-off in two months, according to Mr BK Patodia, chairman of the Indian Cotton Mills Federation (ICMF). The decision to form a Confederation follows apprehensions raised by the textile ministry about the consequences once a quota-free regime sets in.

Within the highly segmented Indian textile industry there are sub-segments which do not have any representative body with the required mandate to fight any WTO-related complaints. Under the WTO, any anti-dumping inquiry can be contested only if the association is a representative body of at least 25 per cent of the particular domestic industry.

‘‘The parent body will represent all sub-segments of the textile industry. Though this will be basically to take care of anti-dumping initiatives, it will pave way for greater coordination among the various sub-segments. We will be moving closer towards establishing sectoral harmony,’’ said Mr Patodia who steps down as the ICMF chairman early next month after a year’s term.

ICMF, he said, would in future work in close coordination with large industry bodies like the CII and FICCI too. ‘‘There has to be some uniformity of approach. We request the smaller associations and those representing other segments of the industry to join together and collectively approach the Government with our views and grievances,’’ he added.