Despite being one of the most labour-intensive and largest employers in country, the textile sector has been unable to fulfil its potential especially in rural India where a chunk of the population with some of the finest talents resides (“ >How to get the weave right ”, July 21). Bureaucratic apathy, lax norms, a paucity of finances as far as small textile units are concerned, and tough competition from automation are some of the reasons. Also when Bangladesh and Vietnam get duty-free access to the international market, the Indian textile industry suffers. Both the State and Central governments must aggressively promote textile hubs and market access for industry to generate demand and usher in employment opportunities for women and youth. Labour laws should ensure the welfare of workers.
Gagan Pratap Singh,
Noida, Uttar Pradesh
