Additional charge of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has been given to Smriti Irani, who is also the Textiles Minister of India. So is it a bad news for the Indian textile and apparel industry?
Irani recently completed her first year as the Minister of Textiles. The entire textile industry always had high hopes since the day she took the charge as she is aggressive and has dynamic leadership qualities. However, the textile industry feels that MoT can’t deliver strong results individually as it is dependent on Ministry of Finance for certain things. “We have been knocking the door of MoT from past several years, no matter who the minister is, it is going to remain the same,” shared an industry veteran.
The industry believes that this one year has not proved fruitful to the textile and apparel industry. Additionally, the announcement of the additional charge being given to Irani has triggered talks on whether she will be able to give enough time to the Textiles Ministry. Compared to MoT, I&B Ministry is considered as an even more important portfolio. Some of the industry experts, however, feel that this additional charge is for the time being till the reshuffling of Union Cabinet takes place, so there is no such reason that the Minister will be too busy within the two Ministries.
“She deserves it, she gave enough time to the textile industry and ministry. Be it GST, ROSL or Duty Drawback issues, whenever we approached her, she gave us ample time and did her best to resolve the issues,” comments Ashok Rajani, Chairman, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC).
The current scenario is like a major transition period for the textile industry, especially after the implementation of GST. The MSME sector and textile traders are still strongly protesting against the GST even after two weeks of its execution. This tensed situation demands more of Irani, who will now be taking the extra responsibility.
However, Raja M. Shanmugam, President, Tirupur Exporters Association (TEA) has complete faith in the Minister. He says, “She is capable enough and has shown the political will required to work which is a must for our textile industry. The Minister will definitely be able to manage both the ministries. Though the Textiles Ministry demands more time, we are sure that she will keep working with same aggression and energy.”
Additionally, assembly elections in the politically important states like Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh are around the corner. Irani will definitely be a part of the campaigns as a star speaker. On the other hand, the textile industry is eagerly waiting for the National Textile Policy. So, it will be an interesting turn of events to see how the Minister manages her time to stay true to her political positions.
