A group of textile entrepreneurs led by Bhilwara MP Damodar Agarwal submitted a memorandum to District Collector Namit Mehta on Sunday, urging significant changes to the draft Rajasthan Textile and Apparel Policy 2024. The entrepreneurs expressed concerns that certain provisions in the draft could stifle industry growth and called for a more inclusive policy.
The draft policy, announced in the 2024-25 state budget, aims to boost the textile sector in Rajasthan. However, the entrepreneurs argue that the current draft falls short of addressing the specific needs of the industry.
One of the key concerns raised by Agarwal, who also serves as the president of the Bhilwara Textile Trade Federation, is the annual cap on interest subsidies. The entrepreneurs believe that this cap limits the ability of businesses to fully benefit from the subsidy scheme, especially in a sector that heavily relies on government support for growth and expansion.
Agarwal also criticised the fact that several incentives, such as 100% subsidies on banking, billing, and transmission charges, are currently restricted to mega and ultra-mega units. He argued that these benefits should be extended to MSMEs and other large units, which form the backbone of the textile industry.
In the memorandum, Agarwal recommended lowering the minimum investment requirement for setting up facilitation centres for textile entrepreneurs. He believes that this would make it easier for smaller businesses to access infrastructure and services, thereby promoting growth and competitiveness.
The entrepreneurs’ demands highlight the need for a more balanced and supportive textile policy that addresses the concerns of businesses of all sizes. By making the policy more inclusive and addressing the specific needs of the industry, the government can create a conducive environment for growth and development in the textile sector.
