With aim to promoting textile exports in northeast India, besides generating employment in the region and restricting migration of local workers to other states, the Union Textile Ministry has promulgated the North-East Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS).
Apart from this, this scheme will also help in developing and modernising the industry by means of region-specific flexibility in the scheme’s application, as well as availability of adequate funds for the purpose.
“Under the NERTPS, the textile ministry provides Rs 18 crore each for the setting up of a RMG manufacturing unit or ‘Apparel and Garment Making Centre’ (AGMC) in each of the 8 Northeastern States. It would also provide financial aid to run the units after they are commissioned,” Textiles Secretary Rashmi Verma is reported to have said at a function in Agartala on Friday.
Minister of State for Textiles Santosh Gangwar inaugurated the first AGMC in Nagaland on April 6. A second one was launched in Tripura on April 8.
“The AGMCs in the other six states are expected to start manufacturing in a month. After starting production of all the eight AGMCs, there will be a landmark development in the sector in the northeastern region,” she added.
At each of the eight AGMCs, 300 Japanese computerised sewing machines will be set up. Of these, 200 would be used for manufacturing and 100 will be used for training purpose. Each of these AGMCs will provide direct employment to 1,200 to 1,500 people, most of whom will be women. These units will meet the need for uniforms and garments for the police, security and paramilitary forces, besides making garments for schoolchildren and civilians of the region.
Under the NERTPS, several other projects will also be taken up, including those in sericulture, handlooms, handicrafts and power looms. The handloom sector of the northeast will also be developed under cluster development projects to increase production, productivity, employment and value addition by upgrading technology.
“Bamboo, which is one of the richest resources of the region, will boost handicrafts here as well in the global market, with its variety in designs and its diverse use in the northeastern states. Besides, sericulture is another viable sector that has tremendous potential to provide greater employment and earn foreign exchange,” Verma said.
