Surat — In a pivotal meeting held in New Delhi on June 19, 2025, by the Ministry of Textiles, top stakeholders gathered to discuss India's roadmap towards self-reliance in the textile machinery sector. Chaired by Textile Commissioner Ms. M. Beena, the meeting concluded with the extension of the Quality Control Order (QCO) on textile machinery for another year.
The South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) played a prominent role in the session, with Vice President Ashok Jirawala, Past President Vijay Mewawala, and Ashish Gujarati representing the Chamber. The SGCCI delegation submitted strategic recommendations aimed at reducing India’s dependence on imported textile machinery and fostering domestic manufacturing.
Key proposals submitted by SGCCI include:
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100% FDI Permission: To attract top global OEMs in textile machinery, SGCCI recommended allowing 100% foreign direct investment and inviting global players to establish manufacturing facilities in India.
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Introduction of a PLI Scheme: The Chamber proposed launching a Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme specifically for textile machinery manufacturing, similar to successful schemes in other sectors.
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Utilization of R&D Infrastructure: SGCCI suggested leveraging the R&D capabilities of Indian industrial giants like L&T, Kirloskar, Bharat Forge, and Thermax. These facilities can be used to design world-class machinery in joint ventures with Surat’s textile manufacturers.
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Formation of a Special Task Force: A central task force was recommended, comprising members from associations like IMTMA, TMMAI, ITAMMA, semiconductor equipment manufacturers, IT solution providers, and user associations, to drive policy, innovation, and execution.
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GST Rationalization: The Chamber requested capping GST on textile machinery at a maximum of 12% to ease the financial burden on manufacturers.
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Impact Evaluation: SGCCI emphasized that any government investment in machinery development should be directly traceable to measurable import reductions, ensuring effective use of public funds.
The Chamber’s inputs were well-received as they offered practical, forward-looking strategies that could significantly enhance India’s global competitiveness in textile machinery manufacturing. Implementation of these suggestions at the policy level could mark a transformative leap in India's journey towards industrial self-sufficiency in the sector.
