Pressing on their demand to rationalise taxes on diesel and to reduce its prices in accordance with the international market along with some other issues, nationwide strike of transporters under All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) is creating problems for textile and apparel industry too. The industry is of the strong opinion that the loss will multiply if the issue is not immediately resolved. Most of the hubs of the textile and apparel industry like Delhi-NCR, Tirupur, Surat etc. are facing the heat of this strike which started from 20th July.
The textile industry insists that the Government should intervene in the matter otherwise exporters may lose good amount of foreign exchange due to not fulfilling their export obligations. The delay in shipments would lead to LCs expiring, air shipment costs and cancellation of orders plus loss of reputation/credibility with foreign buyers.
Raja M Shanmugham, President, Tirupur Exporters’ Association (TEA) told that the ongoing indefinite strike has created a major impact on Tirupur Knitwear exporting units as they could not transport the finished garments for shipment through any of the seaports of Tuticorin, Chennai, Cochin or through the various airports. “We have sent a requisition letter to Prime Minister for his immediate intervention to amicably settle the issue to end the strike. We have also appealed to the transport associations to exempt the transport of export goods and also the movement of goods for the jobwork in Tirupur area,” he added.
The impact of the strike is so huge on the industry that it has forced the units to suspend their production in the absence of no supply of raw materials. “The strike has brought the entire textile industry to a standstill. Many units work on hand to mouth and this strike would lead to loss of livelihood for casual workers and even regular workers would have to do with lower wages in the absence of production incentives and overtime,” said Sanjay K Jain, Chairman, Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI).
