The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry has outlined a 10-year roadmap for redeveloping textiles sector in West Bengal and to ensure balanced and inclusive growth.
The industry body recently submitted its suggestions for reviving the textiles industry base in the State to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The suggestions in the form of Vision 2022-23 talks about doubling the State’s share in the country’s textiles industry to 10 per cent.
“West Bengal should grow at around 17 per cent to increase the size of its textiles industry to $21.5 billion from the current $2.9 billion,” FICCI said.
According to FICCI, the target, once achieved, could provide employment to nearly 10 million people by 2022-23. “Out of this at least 75 per cent will be in the unskilled and semi-skilled level,” it said.
Currently, close to 1.5 million people are employed by the textiles industry in the State.
“The state has a long history and tradition in textiles. However, its textiles sector is now lagging behind other states such as Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. The State has the potential to revive its textiles industry and be a major part of global value chain in this sector,” the report said.
Handloom, powerloom, hosiery, jute and silk are the major segments of the State’s textiles industry.