Delay in appointment of audit firm to look into TUF issues irks mill sector

Textile industry sources have voiced concern over the undue delay in appointment of an audit firm to look into the old Technology Upgradation Fund (TUF) issues.

They fear that the issue (appointment of an audit firm) has been put in the backburner, for eight months have passed, but the Textile Commissioner’s Office is yet to notify the appointment.

This delay has started to send wrong signals about the Government’s seriousness in this issue, say industry insiders.

“The Government has lent a patient ear to our woes, sought suggestions on various issues. We are therefore disappointed with the laid back attitude of the Textile Commissioner’s Office in this regard,” an industry spokesperson lamented, preferring anonymity.

Reiterating that early appointment of the audit firm would give some direction to this issue, the source pointed out that several small and medium sized units were awaiting action in this regard.

Appointment of an audit firm apart, the industry, the source said, has been pleading with the Government for shifting the Office of the Textile Commissioner from Mumbai to the South.

“Tamil Nadu accounts for the lion’s share of the country’s spindleage. It would therefore be more apt to shift the headquarters to the south,” the source contended.