The first phase of Gujarat Assembly polls is on 1st December, and being the textile and garment hub, the state’s election is creating a buzz in the industry.
During the campaign, Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister of Delhi and National Convener of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) interacted with Surat’s textile traders. He assured the city’s textile traders that the AAP will make the city ‘garment hub’ of the country with an export-oriented integrated textile park and creation of thousands of jobs.
According to him, if elected to power the AAP Government would introduce a special law that will protect them from cases of fraud in paying dues.
He stated further that basic infrastructure will be provided for the textile industry and electric rates will be reduced. In his words, “We will stop the raid raj and harassment at the hands of tax inspectors.” He promised traders MSME benefits and easy loans with a raised limit from Rs. 25 lakh to Rs. 1 crore.
Piyush Goyal (Union Textiles Minister) was also seen in Ahmedabad, interacting with representatives of the textile sector at Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Naresh Sharma Secretary, Maskati Kapad Market Mahajan stated that the Central Government should create a textile park at Ahmedabad.
According to the Textile Minister, the government will address various problems including TUF subvention issues.
A separate, interesting fact is the participation of Vasim Shaikh in the race for president. Vasim, who works in Surat’s garment factory as a day-wage worker, also participated in this election. He said, “I am engaged in cutting in a garments unit. One of my coworkers told me to sign the forms, which I did. I was not aware that I was being made a candidate.”