‘New textile policy will help ailing MMF sector’: Rupani

Surat: Chief minister Vijay Rupani has assured proactive measures by the state government in reviving the ailing man-made fabric (MMF) hub in the Diamond City.
Representatives of MMF sector led by Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) were summoned by the chief minister on Saturday to discuss key issues and demands related to the textile sector before framing of the textile policy-2018.

SGCCI president Hetal Mehta stressed on the need to reduce electricity tariff to provide a level-playing field to the textile sector with those in other states, including Maharashtra.

The power loom weaving sector in South Gujarat, including Surat, Umbergaon, Valsad and Tapi, has been demanding reduction in power tariff on the lines of Maharashtra. High power tariff in Gujarat has forced many power loom weavers to shift base to border areas in Tarapur and Navapur in Maharashtra where electricity tariff is charged at the rate of Rs3.50 per unit compared to Rs7.50 per unit in Gujarat.

SGCCI president Hetal Mehta told TOI, “Chief minister Vijay Rupani assured us of including our suggestions in the textile policy-2018. Our main demand is reduction of power tariff for the textile units. The fabric manufactured in Surat is costly compared to Maharashtra due to huge power tariff concession. If electricity is made available on the same rates then the weavers could withstand the onslaught.”