By IANS,
New Delhi : India’s textile industry will require about 10 million trained workers by 2012 if it has to meet the targets set by the National Textile Policy, officials of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) said here Monday.
“The industry will need a huge investment in terms of infrastructure development and skill development if it has to reach the targets set by the National Textile Policy. We urge the government to look at the needs of the industry and act quickly,” AEPC chairman Rakesh Vaid said at the foundation laying ceremony of AEPC Institute of Apparel Management, an apparel training and design centre.
According to the textile policy, India’s share in the global textile and apparel trade would go up to 10 percent from the current three percent by 2012.
“The industry has a potential to generate millions of jobs. In the next two to three years, industry would require around four million operators, two million supervisors and one million managerial staff of different tiers,” said AEPC director general (training) Darlie Koshy.
The textile industry, which is a leading job provider in the country, requires minimal training and education from job seekers.
“Even an eighth standard education is enough for a person who is willing to work in this field. With three-four months of training, he or she can become a trained operator,” Koshy said.
Vaid also spoke about the looming threat from countries such as Vietnam and Bangladesh. “By the year 2012, when the government rationalises import duties, competing countries could sell their cheaper goods in Indian market. To counter this threat, we must make our own industry more competitive, strong and vibrant.”
In 2007-08 India exported ready-made garments worth Rs.450 billion. The textile and clothing sector contributes four percent to the country’s gross domestic product and 16 percent to the total exports.