At a meeting to discuss the impact of the current policy framework on Surat’s textile sector, Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) urged the state government to extend incentives in the new textile policy to units within municipal corporation limits.

The recently announced policy restricts subsides for new or expanding units within municipal boundaries. However, these units can be expanded further within the city, argue industry representatives.As the issue has a direct impact on the textile industry in the city, SGCCI plans to discuss it with the government, states Vijay Mevawala, President.

Pramod Chaudhary, Managing Director, Pratibha Group, emphasises, Surat's infrastructure, including Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) within municipal limits, can support new processing units. The CETPs in Pandesara and Sachin are fully equipped to serve additional units, making expansion within city limits viable,he adds.

Ashish Gujarati, President, Pandesara Weavers Co-operative Society, points out, while developing the new textile policy, the government state failed to consider Surat’s unique industrial environment within Gujarat. It needs to introduce an inclusive policy encouraging existing textile businesses to continue operating in Surat and attract new investments, opine industry leaders.

Improved subsidy conditions and timelines will help boost the city’s textile sector, preventing the shift of industries to other states, they add.