Maharashtra State Textile Minister Chandrakant Patil chaired a meeting in Mumbai with important stakeholders, including MLC Pravin Datke, in a major step towards resolving the long-standing problems of power loom workers.
Datke highlighted the importance of drawing in the younger generation by suggesting the establishment of textile polytechnics, engineering colleges, and skill development initiatives, especially in areas like Nagpur that are predominately textile-based.
In order to execute welfare programmes for the families of workers, the city MLC proposed to establish a Textile Workers’ Economic Development Corporation. Datke also suggested creating a powerloom hub and small textile park on the 35,000-square-foot Empress Mill property in the city.
Datke supported the introduction of an already stated electricity subsidy in order to reduce production costs. This comprises a special grant of Rs1 per unit and a tariff decrease to Rs0.75 per unit for loom operators utilising between 27 HP and 201 HP.
Datke also demanded an instantaneous disbursement of cash for a 5% interest subsidy programme and streamlined online registration for power rate discounts. In common outbuildings, he also suggested installing multi-party metre connections. Patil promised to present the ideas to the cabinet and get prompt government approval.
