Nearly three months after being approved by the Cabinet, the textile package announced by the government in June awaits implementation in spirit. The special package involves a total outlay of Rs 6,000 crores aimed at improving competitiveness and generating jobs through a string of labour reforms. However, in  apparel manufacturing, the specific sub-sector within textiles targeted by the package, hiring and production increase is yet to happen under the new norms.

As per sources the textile commissioner’s office is currently in consultation with stakeholders to iron out the difficulties in implementing the new norms. These include issues over wages, allowances and other statutory dues to be paid to workers. Also, the ministry has fixed overtime hours for workers not exceeding eight hours a week, in line with International Labour Organisation (ILO) norms. Manufacturers claim all this needs time to be incorporated in their operations. The package paved the way for fixed-term employment in apparel manufacturing looking at its seasonal nature.

While manufacturers have welcomed the move that will allow them to deal with excess demand and idle labour at different times of the year, workers have argued that it would affect their livelihood.