Maharashtra Cabinet approves new textile policy to boost investment in cotton producing region, expects to attract investment of Rs 25,000 cr

The government will set up the Textile n& Silk Commissionerate by merging Textile Commissionerate and Silk Directorate while Regional Textiles and Silk Deputy Commissionerates will also be formed. The department will prepare a scheme for rehabilitation of sick co-operative societies , leasing of co-operative mills and sale of surplus land of co-operative mills.

The government will provide a maximum of 45% share capital to cooperative units and capital subsidy to the private sector depending on side and zone. Special incentives will be provided for super large projects.

As the technical textile industry has been growing globally in recent times , the policy will give significant emphasis to this sector and aims to establish six (6) technical textile parks in the state. Besides , Maharashtra Technical Textile Mission will be taken up to ensure aggressive growth of the technical textile sector. The technical textile sector is undergoing a paradigm shift in technology , leading to faster and more efficient systems. To promote research and development in these emerging technologies , a fund of Rs 50 crore will be earmarked every year

A statutory corporation- “ Maharashtra State Textile Development Corporation ( MSTDC) ” will be formed through merger of the existing 3 corporations to create a sustainable and fertile environment for the growth of textile industry in the state.

The policy emphasizes adoption of green technologies for environment-friendly and sustainable production. Projects such as Effluent Treatment Plants ( ETP) – up to Rs 5 crore , Zero Liquid Discharge ( ZLD) – up to Rs 10 crore , common steam generation plants – up to Rs 1 crore and recycling projects have been encouraged by providing 50 per cent capital subsidy to textile units . – Maximum 2 crores.

To promote a new model of economic development , capital subsidy will be provided for installation of solar projects up to a maximum capacity of 4 MW and there will be no cap of 1 MW on net metering for the textile sector. The estimated savings from solar energy consumption due to this policy is Rs 3000-4000 crore over the policy period.

Five fabrics of Maharashtra – Paithni Saree , Himru , Karvath Kati , Khana Fabric and Ghongdi are known as traditional fabrics. The policy aims to divert traditional textile weavers to other employment by ensuring livelihood protection of these weavers. There is an incentive to discourage diversion. Festival allowance of Rs 10,000 to certified and registered male weavers and Rs 15,000 to female weavers will be provided annually. The policy aims to introduce a social security cover in the form of an “old age pension scheme” for traditional textile weavers.

The policy aims to increase the average cocoon production from 60 kg to 70 kg per batch. For the development of the silk industry, the state will implement an integrated scheme, Resim-Saamgar 2. In addition , Automatic Reeling Machine Unit ( ARM) and multi-end reeling machine unit ( MRM) Grant will be provided for erecting sheds.

The policy will provide special recognition to handloom products domestically and internationally by promoting marketing programmes.

The department will prepare a scheme with detailed guidelines to provide one free saree to every below poverty line family every year.

The policy emphasizes the use of clean energy and environment friendly solutions.

The entire textile value chain is covered by promoting each sub-sector including non-traditional and synthetic yarns/fibres and technical textiles.

The policy aims to strengthen existing textile infrastructure and promote sustainability and technological advancement across the entire textile value chain in the state. The policy aims to provide additional assistance to minorities and ex-servicemen. The objective of this policy is to give a significant boost to the textile sector in Maharashtra and to generate adequate employment for the youth.