Centre trying to link textile sector with tourism: Gangwar

A day after approving a Rs 6,000 crore special package for the textile sector, the Centre today said concrete steps are being taken to set up textile parks across the country in a big way with emphasis on linking these with tourism.
"As many as 24 textile parks have been set up in different parts of the country in the last two years of the BJP-led NDA government. Now, we are trying to link this key sector with tourism," Union Textile Minister Santosh Gangwar said.
Taking a dig at the previous UPA regime, Gangwar said only 16 textile parks had been set up during the last 10 years of their rule while the NDA government is promoting this sector by providing Rs 40 crore for development of each proposed park.

Referring to textile-tourism linkage, he told reporters that the Centre has already provided Rs 10 crore for development of Raghurajpur area in Odisha, which is famous worldwide for its 'pattachitra' paintings.
Similarly, steps will be taken to identify areas with tourism potential where textile and weaving activities have been in vogue, said Gangwar, who is on a visit to Odisha as part of celebrations marking completion of two years of the NDA government at the Centre.
However, Gangwar lamented that not a single proposal has been received from the Odisha Government for development of the garment and apparel sector though textile parks have so far been set up in 11 states.

"The Centre is keen to provide all forms of assistance if the state government sends any proposal for textile parks and similar projects," he said.

The Centre is also taking appropriate measures for promoting the textile sector in a big way in north-eastern states, he said, adding that entrepreneurs are being asked to set up garment units in the region.
Noting that China, a key player in the textile and garment sector, is now lagging, the minister noted that neighbours like Bangladesh and Myanmar are fast emerging as major competitors.
India must gear up in order to meet the challenges from these countries, he emphasised, hoping that the Rs 6,000 crore package approved yesterday by the Centre will play a major role in giving a boost to the textile and apparel sector.

Union Minister of state for Food Processing Industries, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, who was also present at the press meet, said six mega food parks have been set up in different parts of the country in the last two years while 15 more are now being developed.
The Centre plans to set up 42 mega food parks by 2018-19 while 200 small processing units will be established for the benefit of farmers.