FOSTTA to elect leaders next month

Surat: After almost eight years, the Federation of Surat Textile Traders Association (FOSTTA) is preparing to get a new body to run its affairs after holding the much-awaited elections next month.
Leaders of the informal trade body will be elected on July 8 for which the formal process has already been started.
Caretaker office bearers had been appointed in the body around eight years ago, and since then various groups of textile traders have been demanding fresh elections. However, in absence of large scale demands no elections were held so far. It was also argued that there are no clear guidelines about holding elections as FOSTTA isn’t a formally registered body.
Meanwhile, in the recent past a strong demand by various groups was made to hold elections after which the existing managing body invited voter lists from various textile markets.
“Considering the excitement about the election, one thing is clear that FOSTTA has emerged as an important trade body in the city. It has carried out its responsibilities effectively in the recent past,” said a FOSTTA officer bearer.
As per the size of the market two or more representatives from each market have been given voting rights. Voters from 211 textile market complexes got registered representing a total of 77,500 textile shops. Two voters from a market complex with up to 250 shops, four voters from over 250 to 750 shops and six voters from above 750 shops are given voting rights.
Forms for nomination will be distributed and submission will be held between June 12 to 14. Verification of the forms will be done on June 17 and June 19 is the last date for form withdrawal. The final list of candidates will be released on June 20.