Ludhiana MP questions textile competitiveness in Punjab, govt outlines initiatives

Ludhiana-based Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora raised concerns about the global competitiveness of Punjab’s textile industry during the ongoing winter session of Parliament. He sought details on Punjab's textile exports over the past three years, including export values, enterprise participation, market share in key regions like the US, EU, and Middle East, and measures to diversify markets amidst evolving global trade dynamics.

Union Minister of State for Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, revealed provisional export data showing Punjab's textile exports at $2,111.5 million in FY 2021-22, which fell to $1,502.2 million in FY 2022-23, and further dipped to $1,500.4 million in FY 2023-24. To increase competitiveness, the government highlighted initiatives like the Samarth Scheme, which trained 800 beneficiaries in Punjab since 2021, and export-focused schemes such as RoSCTL and RoDTEP.

Infrastructure and manufacturing efforts include the PM MITRA Parks Scheme, the Production Linked Incentive Scheme, and the National Technical Textiles Mission. The Ministry also promotes exports through trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets under the Market Access Initiative Scheme. Arora emphasized the need for skilled workforce development and adoption of advanced technologies to strengthen Punjab’s position in the global textile market.