The Federation of Indian Art Silk Weaving Industry (FIASWI) and the Federation of Gujarat Weavers’ Association (FOGWA) have urged Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani to consider extending power tariff relief to the existing power loom units and providing 10 per cent capital subsidy in the textile policy announced by the State Government.
The recently announced textile policy reduced the tariff by Rs. 3 per unit in the low tension (LT) lines and Rs. 2 per unit in the high tension (HT) lines for the new industrial units and those expanding the units with new machinery. However, the industry leaders feel there is nothing for the existing 6 lakh power loom units in Surat city and would result in competition between existing units and those setting up new units, according to a report.
The weavers also feel the State Government should include 10 per cent capital subsidy for the units located within the Surat city limits and 15 per cent capital subsidy for those in the outskirts with subsidy cap of Rs. 20 cr. According to FIASWI Chairman Bharat Gandhi, the government is providing benefits to only new units, whereas the existing units need to be encouraged for modernisation and power tariff subsidy.
