Power loom weavers seek power tariff on lines of Maharashtra

Surat: Representatives of Federation of Gujarat Weavers’ Association (FOGWA) and Federation of Indian Art Silk Weaving Industry (FIASWI) met chief minister Vijay Rupani and deputy chief minister Nitin Patel in Gandhinagar on Thursday and submitted a slew of demands for ailing power loom weaving sector in the new textile policy.
The industry leaders demanded special power tariff for existing and new power loom units on the lines of Maharashtra, capital subsidy of 10 per cent for units within the city and 15 per cent for units outside the city with cap of Rs20 crore subsidy, interest subsidy of 5%-8%, 25% subsidy on modernization of power looms, 45 per cent subsidy on woven technical textiles etc.

FOGWA leader Ashish Gujarati said, “We had to personally visit Gandhinagar and meet chief minister and deputy chief minister for putting forth our demands as Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry had ignored us in the last meeting. The power loom weaving sector is on death bed due to unresolved credit lapse issue under Goods and Services Tax. We want the state government to help us and provide incentives to keep the industry operational.”

Gujarati added, “Many power loom weavers have shifted their base to Navapur in Maharashtra due to proactive textile policy of the government there. The power tariff in Navapur is Rs3.50 per unit and we are paying Rs7.50 per unit. Fabrics manufactured by Navapur units are cheaper compared to us.”