New textile policy is at drafting stage, says Textile minister Smriti Irani

The new textile policy that would help in promoting exports and create employment opportunities is in the drafting stage at present and nothing has been finalised. This was informed to the Parliament by the Minister of Textiles Smriti Irani.

Speaking broadly on the subject, the minister said that the policy is being formulated by holding widespread consultations with various associations, industry bodies, states and other stakeholders, representing sub-sectors such as cotton, silk, jute, handloom, handicrafts, and powerloom.

In a separate reply, she said during the current cotton season 2020-21, (from October 2020 to September 30, 2021), as on February 6,” Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) has procured 90.87 lakh bales under the minimum support price (MSP) operations.

“CCI is procuring around 25,000 to 30,000 bales per day in the cotton growing areas wherever the prevailing kapas prices are ruling below MSP,” she added.

Replying to another question, the minister said certain Indian textile products are listed in the US Trafficking Victims Protection Re-authorisation Act (TVPRA) child labour/ forced-labour List 2020. She added that steps have been taken through the Embassy of India in the US for delisting of such products.