New Delhi, Aug 3 (KNN) Both government and the industry are to blame for the sorry state of affairs in the textile sector, Textile Minister,  K Sambasiva Rao said.

Speaking at a PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) function here, “Due to negligence of both government and industry the textile industry has witnessed passive growth which needs to be reversed,” he said.

He attributed the current state of affairs in which the domestic industry is losing its competitiveness in the market, to reluctance of both the government and industry to invest in research and development in the sector.  That, he said was one of the primary reasons for the decline in the Indian textile industry’s share in global trade.    
 
Inaugurating a National Seminar on Innovations and Technological Advancements: Growth Mantra for Textile Industry, he urged the industry to take the initiative along with the government to improve the availability of skilled labour.

Meanwhile, Vice President PHDCCI, Sharad Jaipuria highlighted the key role the textile industry played in the economy.  “India is one of the world's largest producers of textiles and garments. It plays a vital role in contributing to the industrial output, generating employment and export earnings of the country,” he said.

The sector contributes near about 4 per cent to the gross domestic product (GDP) and provides direct employment to over 35 million people.

“Innovation should become the only means of survival in the textile industry as almost all the major players are engaged in research and development regarding raw materials and their usage,” said the Chairman of Task Force on Textile, PHDCCI, Mukund Choudhary. (KNN/GUNJ)