Surat - Loktej English

Surat: Business and Innovation Mega Conclave from May 22, SGCCI to Host Four Mega Events

Loktej English Team — Wed, 20 May 2026 20:44:24 +0530

Surat. The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) is set to host four major mega events at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Center (SIECC) in Sarsana, Surat, from May 22 to 24, 2026.

These include three major expos and the third edition of the 'Surat Startup Summit 2026'. Chamber President Nikhil Madrasai mentioned that these events will set a record for hosting 22 exhibitions in a single year in its 85-year history. All four events are being organized with the main support of Torin Wealth Management.

The joint inauguration of all four events will take place on May 22 at 10 AM, with Union Minister of State for Commerce Dr. Jitin Prasada as the chief guest. Surat Municipal Commissioner M. Nagarajan, Chemexcil Chairman Dr. Satish Vaman Wagh, i-Hub Gujarat CEO Hiranmay Mahant, along with several industrialists and corporate leaders, will also be present at the inauguration.

The 'Chemical and Pharma Expo 2026', running from May 22 to 24, will serve as a significant B2B platform for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. This expo is supported by Chemexcil and the Gujarat government-backed Indextb. Pharmaceutical companies, API and bulk drug manufacturers, specialty chemicals companies, lab equipment, packaging, and process machinery firms will showcase their new technologies and products.

A large number of manufacturers, researchers, importers-exporters, and investors from both domestic and international markets are expected to participate. The 'Smart Education Expo 2026' will become a major platform for career planning for students and parents, featuring universities, schools, and colleges from India and abroad. This expo will be particularly beneficial for students in grades 10-12, graduates, diploma holders, and youth preparing for higher education, providing them with direct interaction with institutions and information on career options.

The 'Surat Startup Summit 2026', with the participation of over 200 investors and more than 50 VC/Angel Investors, will be a significant platform for startups in the tech, healthtech, fintech, agritech, and sustainability sectors. The summit will feature live startup pitching, speed investor dating, B2B networking, and brand promotion. Organizers anticipate over 25,000 visitors, more than 200 investors, and over 50 venture capitalists and angel investors to attend.

This summit is also supported by AIC Surti iLab Foundation and TiE Surat. The 'SGCCI Business Connect (SBC) Business Expo 2026' will see participation from companies across various sectors including FMCG, IT, finance, automobiles, garments, health, and digital technology. The main objective of the expo is to promote business networking, strategic partnerships, funding, and new business opportunities, featuring live product launches, B2B-B2C meetings, and an innovation pavilion as key attractions.

Chamber President Nikhil Madrasai and Vice President and President-Elect Ashok Jirawala stated that these four mega events will provide a new direction for the industrial, educational, and entrepreneurial development of Surat and Gujarat. They appealed to industrialists, startups, students, parents, and citizens to participate in large numbers in these events.

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Surat: SGCCI's Argument Successful in GERC, Electricity Consumers to Benefit

Loktej English Team — Wed, 20 May 2026 12:25:15 +0530

Surat. The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) has achieved significant success in its arguments against the electricity tariff petition filed with the Gujarat government's Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC).

Following this decision, industrial and domestic electricity consumers across Gujarat will benefit from the 'Time of Use' (ToU) tariff. In a major change in the new tariff order issued by GERC, the term 'pre-paid smart meter' has been replaced with 'smart meter', making all smart meter holders eligible for the ToU discount. According to the new order, domestic and industrial consumers using electricity between 11 AM and 5 PM will receive a direct discount of 60 paise per unit.

It is believed that this decision will save electricity consumers across the state more than ₹400 crore annually. Under the leadership of SGCCI President Nikhil Madrasi and Vice President and President-designate Ashok Jirawala, a delegation from the chamber presented a detailed written and oral presentation before GERC Chairman Pankaj Joshi. During this time, the chamber's Secretary Polik Desai and Managing Committee member Suresh Patel were also present.

During the hearing, SGCCI argued that according to the central government's regulations, the timing for TOD and TOU charges should be the same. Additionally, it was argued that only the term 'smart meter' should apply in the provisions related to smart meters, and not the requirement for 'pre-paid smart meter'. GERC accepted the chamber's arguments and directed electricity distribution companies to amend the new tariff order.

As a result, all consumers with smart meters capable of ToD recording will now be able to benefit from the ToU discount. Industries will also benefit directly from this decision, as various sectors including textiles, diamonds, and engineering will be able to better plan production shifts and reduce electricity costs. SGCCI welcomed this decision, stating that it will clear the long-standing confusion regarding electricity tariffs in the state and promote energy efficiency.

Surat: Opposition to Proposal for Anti-Dumping Duty on Viscose Filament Yarn Intensifies

Loktej English Team — Tue, 19 May 2026 14:12:59 +0530

Surat. The Viscose Weavers Industry in Surat has strongly opposed the proposal to impose an anti-dumping duty on viscose filament yarn.

The Viscose Weavers Association presented a detailed presentation to the Ministry of Textiles and the Textile Committee in Mumbai, raising serious questions about the demands of yarn spinners. The association stated that the spinners demanding the anti-dumping duty on viscose filament yarn over 75 denier are still producing based on the nearly 60-year-old PSY technology and machinery. According to the association, about 40 percent of the yarn produced by spinners is of low quality, making the demand for anti-dumping duty to protect production based on old technology unreasonable.

The Weavers Association also questioned why spinners themselves admit to making profits on yarn below 75 denier while incurring losses on yarn above 75 denier. This raises several questions about seeking protection for loss-making yarn instead of increasing production of profitable yarn. The association noted that currently, only about 6,000 tons of yarn in the category below 75 denier is produced in the country, while around 40,000 tons of yarn is imported.

Despite this, no serious efforts have been made to increase domestic production. The association has also raised questions about the investigation process of the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR). They alleged that the DGTR team visited only spinning units without any technical experts, while weaving units, which would be most affected by this proposal, were not inspected.

In such a situation, doubts arise about the impartiality of the report prepared regarding the anti-dumping duty. The Weavers Association warned that if the anti-dumping duty is imposed on viscose filament yarn, it will have a serious impact on Surat's weaving industry, which has a turnover of about 10,000 crore rupees. Additionally, it could threaten the livelihoods of nearly 1,000 MSME entrepreneurs and about 450,000 people.

The association stated that over the past seven years, weavers in Surat have made significant investments in modern machinery such as airjet, rapier, and rapier jacquard by taking bank loans, mortgaging assets, and raising funds at high interest rates. If imported yarn becomes expensive, the weaving industry will become economically weak. The association also reminded that from 2007 to 2017, an anti-dumping duty was in place on viscose filament yarn.

During that period, spinners made good profits, yet they did not make sufficient investments to upgrade their 50 to 60-year-old technology and machinery. The Weavers Association has demanded that the central government reconsider the proposal to impose an anti-dumping duty, keeping in mind the interests of Surat's weaving industry, the MSME sector, and millions of workers.

Surat: Grand Art Exhibition by SGCCI Successfully Concludes in Mumbai

Loktej English Team — Tue, 19 May 2026 14:12:30 +0530

Surat. The grand art exhibition organized by the Art, Culture and Handicraft Committee of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) at the Nehru Centre Art Gallery in Worli, Mumbai, successfully concluded.

The week-long exhibition, held from May 5 to 11, 2026, showcased the artworks of talented artists from across the country on a national platform. The aim of the exhibition was to provide artists with national recognition and connect them directly with art lovers, collectors, and curators. The exhibition was inaugurated by Lakshmi Rao, the President of the IMC Ladies Wing, as the chief guest.

Many art lovers, industrialists, and dignitaries from Mumbai and Surat, including renowned business consultant Neville Mehta, were present on this occasion. The Chamber's President, Nikhil Madras, stated that organizing this exhibition in a major art and culture hub like Mumbai, after Surat and Ahmedabad, is an important initiative of the Chamber. He mentioned that this platform provided artists with the opportunity to engage directly with the country's esteemed art collectors and curators.

A total of 47 artworks by 24 selected artists from across the country were displayed at the exhibition. All paintings were curated based on professional standards set by the committee. During the exhibition, a painting by Surat artist Tejalben Modi was sold on the spot, which further encouraged other artists.

According to the organizers, this exhibition proved to be not just a platform for artists to showcase their work, but also an opportunity for corporate networking and connecting with the global market. Swati Shethwala, Chairperson of the Chamber's Art, Culture and Handicraft Committee, stated that SGCCI will continue to organize such national-level events to promote art and culture in the future. Many dignitaries, including committee member Mansi Virani, the Chamber's Honorary Minister Bijal Zariwala, and former Honorary Minister Deepak Shethwala, were present at the inauguration ceremony.

Surat: SGCCI and ITTA organized 'Technical Textiles Conclave 2026

Loktej English Team — Tue, 19 May 2026 14:12:00 +0530

Surat. The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) and the Indian Technical Textile Association (ITTA) organized the 'Technical Textiles Conclave 2026' at UKM Hall in Sarsana.

Based on the theme 'Innovation in Textiles for a Smarter Tomorrow', experts from across the country inspired Surat's textile entrepreneurs to adopt modern and future-oriented business models. The program included detailed discussions on the growing global importance of technical textiles, new technologies, government policies, and the future of the industry. Experts noted that the demand for technical textiles is continuously increasing in sectors such as defense, medical, construction, sports, and infrastructure, presenting a significant opportunity for Surat.

The Vice President and President (Elect) of the Chamber, Ashok Jirawala, mentioned that the use of technical textiles is rapidly increasing worldwide. He stated that due to the Indian government's National Mission, this sector will make Indian industry competitive on a global level. He urged entrepreneurs to move beyond traditional textiles and enter this innovative sector.

ITTA Vice Chairman Dr. Nandan Kumar emphasized that the country's MSME sector must now advance from polymers to high-performance fibers. Former Additional Textile Commissioner S.P. Verma highlighted that about 80 percent of man-made fibers (MMF) are used in technical textiles, which is a golden opportunity for Surat's entrepreneurs. He mentioned that if India succeeds in high-end performance yarn production, the country could lead globally in the field of technical textiles.

He advised entrepreneurs to think 'out of the box' and diversify towards technical textiles in the next 5 to 10 years. J.B. Dave, General Manager of DIC and Joint Commissioner of Industries, informed that the Gujarat government's textile policy gives special priority to technical textiles. He provided information about schemes such as capital subsidy, power subsidy, and interest subsidy for entrepreneurs.

He also stated that industries adopting renewable energy will receive additional benefits and that industries will need to upgrade their processes in light of global standards like the European Union's carbon tax in the future. During the conclave, four special technical sessions were held, where industry experts presented on various topics. The Diversification Strategy session discussed value-added technical textiles.

The Defense Application session held a panel discussion on the needs of technical textiles in the defense sector. The Geotextiles and Building Textiles session provided information on sustainable development and infrastructure use. The Sportec and Standardization session discussed sports textiles and quality standards.

At the end of the program, ITTA Director Dr. Dhaval Patel and Executive Director Anil Kumar Vasupillai expressed gratitude to the attending guests, experts, and entrepreneurs. A large number of textile entrepreneurs from Surat and South Gujarat were present at the conclave.

Surat: Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi appeals for participation in digital 'Self-Enumeration

Loktej English Team — Tue, 19 May 2026 14:11:34 +0530

Surat. The first phase of the crucial Census-2027 for the country's development plan has begun across the country and in Surat city, Gujarat.

Under the Government of India's digital initiative 'Self-Enumeration', Gujarat's Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi participated actively in this national process by filling in family information on the online portal from his home on the second day of the campaign. He appealed to the citizens of Gujarat to consider it their national responsibility and join the digital census campaign by completing the 'Self-Enumeration' process from home. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi stated that Census-2027 is not just a population count, but a strong foundation for the future development of the country.

Based on the data obtained from the census, effective planning for health, education, housing, employment, transportation, and other welfare schemes is prepared and helps in reaching the right people. He mentioned that reliable and accurate data guides the government in policy-making and plays a crucial role in ensuring that the benefits of development reach every section of society equally. He emphasized that a 'correct census is a significant step towards a strong India.' Harsh Sanghvi informed that under the 'Self-Enumeration' process, which will run from May 15 to May 31, citizens can fill in their family information online themselves.

This process, completed through digital means, will help the government understand the real needs of the people and implement more effective plans in the future. The Deputy Chief Minister advised citizens to remain vigilant and not share any OTP or other confidential information received during the census process with unknown individuals, and to pay special attention to cyber security.

Municipal Commissioner M. Nagarajan, Deputy Commissioner Nidhi Shivach, along with census officials and staff were present during this event.

Surat: Tejas Parmar Becomes New Collector of Surat, Focus on Development Works and Public Welfare Schemes

Loktej English Team — Tue, 19 May 2026 14:10:54 +0530

Tejas Parmar formally took charge as the new Collector and District Magistrate of Surat on Monday, May 18. He has been appointed as the new Collector of Surat under the recent transfers of IAS officers by the state government.

Dr. Saurabh Pardhi, who was previously serving as the Collector here, has been transferred to the position of Director of the Civil Supplies Corporation in Gandhinagar. During a program held at the Collector's office on Monday morning, senior administrative officials, heads of various departments, and staff welcomed the new Collector with bouquets. Several dignitaries and social leaders from the city were also present.

Immediately after taking charge, Tejas Parmar held an introductory meeting with officials to conduct an initial review of the district's administrative and geographical situation. The new Collector appeared to be in action mode right from the start. He reviewed the progress of ongoing development works, infrastructure projects, and government schemes in the city and district during the meeting.

Special discussions were held on the quick resolution of pending public welfare issues and making government services more transparent and effective. Tejas Parmar, originally from Palanpur in Banaskantha district, has a background in engineering from SVNIT and achieved an all-India rank of 310 in the UPSC examination, becoming the first IAS officer from Palanpur. In his administrative career, he has held significant positions such as Assistant Collector in Dahod, District Development Officer (DDO) in Amreli, Deputy Secretary in the Urban Development Department in Gandhinagar, Managing Director of Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Limited (MGVCL), and Municipal Commissioner of Junagadh.

After taking charge, the new Collector stated in a conversation with the media that it is an honor for him to be part of the administrative team in a rapidly developing city like Surat. He mentioned that his priority would be to ensure that the benefits of government welfare schemes reach the last person and to provide citizens with timely and organized services. He expressed confidence that the administration would continue to advance the public welfare initiatives started by previous Collectors, ensuring that common citizens receive justice and assistance in a timely manner.

Surat: Free Medical Camp Organized for Home Guards with the Support of Kiran Karuna Hospital

Loktej English Team — Mon, 18 May 2026 20:20:08 +0530

A free medical check-up camp was organized for Home Guards and their family members with the joint support of Surat District Home Guards and Kiran Karuna Hospital. The health camp was held from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, benefiting 92 Home Guards and their families from the D Zone unit of Surat city.

Surat District Home Guards Commandant Dr. Prafulbhai Shiroya informed that the success of this event was made possible with the special cooperation of Vallabhbhai Lakhani, the main donor of Kiran Hospital and Kiran Medical College, Rajya Sabha MP Govindbhai Dholakia, Padma Shri Mathurbhai Savani, Vice Chairman of the Patidar community Laljibhai Patel, and Secretary Manjibhai Lakhani. During the medical camp, health checks including sugar, blood pressure, weight, and other health-related assessments were conducted, along with preliminary diagnosis of various diseases. Special arrangements were made at Kiran Hospital for further detailed examinations if needed.

The doctors present at the camp emphasized the importance of regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep for a healthy life. They also stressed the need to maintain cleanliness, use clean water, and have regular health check-ups and vaccinations. A message was conveyed to adopt a stress-free and positive lifestyle, keeping mental health in mind.

On this occasion, the message that 'a healthy body is the key to a happy life' was also shared. The entire arrangement of the camp was completed with the assistance of Dr. Mukeshbhai Patel. Padma Shri Mathurbhai Savani stated that the Home Guards, who selflessly serve the community in Surat city, are an inspiration, and it is the duty of Kiran Hospital to take care of their health.

A large number of Home Guards were present at the event, including Sub-Inspector Jaydeepbhai Kataria, Officer Commanding of the D Zone unit Jayantilal H. Dave, Platoon Commander Chiragbhai Dhanani, P.T. Clerk M.Y. Multani, and Platoon Sergeant Manekbhai Khantwase.

At the end of the program, gratitude was expressed to the doctors, nurses, and supporting staff of Kiran Karuna Hospital. The program began with the song 'Vande Mataram' and concluded with the collective singing of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Jana Gana Mana.'

Surat: Inauguration of the sixth 'Pyaau Seva' center in the city, providing cool water to passersby

Loktej English Team — Mon, 18 May 2026 20:19:29 +0530

Surat. Amidst the intense heat in Surat, the sixth 'Pyaau Seva' center was inaugurated on Monday, May 18, 2026, with the aim of providing cool water to passersby and those in need.

This public service initiative was inspired by Saket Seva Foundation, 'Chai Pe Charcha Charitable Trust', and Rungta Developers, and was initiated with the support of Anil Rungta. The program was inaugurated by Surat Municipal Commissioner Dr. T. Nagarajan.

This 'Pyaau Seva' center has been established near Galaxy Textile Market at Man Darwaja, where cool drinking water will be made available daily to passersby, common citizens, and those in need during the extreme heat. Guests and social workers present at the inauguration ceremony praised this initiative, describing it as an inspiring effort that promotes humanity, social responsibility, and the spirit of service. Several dedicated workers, including Sawar Budhiya, Subhash Dawar, Virendra Rajawat, Kailash Hakim, Dr. Mamta Bhakkar, and Kinjal Yadav, along with Ravi Yadav, were also present at the event.

Surat: FOSTA's initiative to prevent fire incidents in the city's textile markets, important meeting held with Torrent Power officials

Loktej English Team — Mon, 18 May 2026 20:14:41 +0530

Surat. The Federation of Surat Trade and Textile Association (FOSTA) has initiated significant measures regarding electrical safety in response to recent fire incidents in various textile markets of the city.

In this context, FOSTA organized a special meeting with officials from Torrent Power, where detailed discussions were held on technical and safety issues. It was primarily highlighted during the meeting that many shops are using electrical loads exceeding the approved capacity. This increases the risk of short circuits and fire incidents.

Officials advised traders to periodically check their electrical loads and increase them as necessary. Keeping this in mind, FOSTA also held a special meeting with licensed electricians from Torrent Power. This meeting emphasized spreading widespread awareness about electrical safety in the markets.

To raise awareness among traders and present positive examples, FOSTA also checked the electrical load of its office. After completing the necessary procedures, the load of the office was immediately increased, and this process has now been successfully completed. FOSTA has announced that in the coming time, a widespread awareness campaign regarding electrical safety will be conducted in all major markets of the city to prevent potential accidents in a timely manner and to strengthen safety arrangements in commercial premises.

Surat: Service activities for patients' families in the Civil Hospital premises, breakfast distribution on the first day of Adhik Maas

Loktej English Team — Mon, 18 May 2026 11:33:41 +0530

On the first day of Adhik Maas, a special service activity was organized for the families of patients and needy individuals at the Surat New Civil Hospital premises. With the messages 'Seva Parmo Dharma' and 'Kar Bhala To Hoga Bhala', breakfast and food items were distributed to the loved ones of patients.

Under this service campaign, famous Shiv Shakti samosas, fruits, and other food items were provided to the families of patients receiving treatment at the hospital. A large number of patients' families benefited from the event. The president of the Nursing Association, Iqbal Kadivala, stated that this service work has been ongoing for several years.

Every week, especially on Sundays, breakfast and meals are distributed to needy individuals coming to the hospital premises with the support of donors and social workers. This service program, organized on the auspicious occasion of Adhik Maas, was appreciated by the people and was described as an inspiring example of humanity and social cooperation.

Surat: Union Minister C.R. Patil Launches Digital 'Self-Census' Campaign

Loktej English Team — Mon, 18 May 2026 11:31:59 +0530

In Surat, under the Government of India's 'Self-Census-2027' campaign, Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Patil registered his family's information on the online portal and participated in the digital census process. He also appealed to citizens across the country to actively engage in this national campaign.

C.R. Patil mentioned that the census is not just a statistical process but a strong foundation for the country's development plans and policy-making. He stated that based on the data obtained from the census, the government ensures the proper distribution of resources in important sectors such as health, education, housing, employment, and transportation. He emphasized that only through accurate and comprehensive data can the benefits of development plans effectively reach the last person in society and remote areas.

The first phase of this campaign initiated by the Government of India will run from May 17 to May 31, 2026, during which the 'Self-Enumeration' process will take place. Through this digital facility, citizens can securely register their and their family's information online from the comfort of their homes. C.R. Patil urged citizens to participate responsibly in this campaign and contribute to the country's development.

He stated that the 'Our Census, Our Development' campaign will prove to be an important step towards making India stronger, more planned, and inclusive. On this occasion, officials and staff from the census department, including M. Nagarajan, Rakesh Modi, and Paresh Patel, were present.