NE states to have plug and play apparel factories

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement in Nagaland that the Centre would set up one modern apparel garment manufacturing centre in each of the eight North Eastern states, the Union Textiles Ministry has finalized a policy under which the Central Government would bear the cost of providing 300 machines to each ‘plug and play’ centre. All the NE State Governments have been asked to provide 1.5 acres of land each, preferably near the capital city.

Under the policy, assets of the proposed factories will be jointly owned by the Centre and the State Government concerned. Further, the Government has decided to provide financial assistance for hiring services of key management personnel including one ex-serviceman for administration, one technical person having a degree in textiles or fashion technology, one finance manager and one IT personnel. A textile ministry representative will be associated with the selection of the entrepreneur and the management of the Centre. The manufacturing facilities are expected to produce garments for meeting the local demand of police, para-military forces deployed in the State and school uniforms.