In a bid to increase domestic sourcing, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have been asked to increase their participation in enhancing livelihood opportunities for local artisans by buying their textile and fabric requirements ‘locally’. To make it official, the Union Textile Ministry of India issued a letter in this regard recently.
According to a media report, ministries have also been asked to share details on “how much of non-local content do the Government and departments buy from the textile sector”, to understand and gauge the difference, with specifics on total expense on local and non-local textile buys.
Notably, Government carrier Air India is already using Khadi’s utility kit for its business-class passengers. Additionally, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) also promotes local artisans in various ways. Promotion of local culture at the upcoming airports is also under consideration at AAI.
The Textile Ministry feels that the increase in purchase from the local craftsperson by Government departments and ministries under the ‘Make in India’ scheme, a flagship programme of the Centre that is aimed to ensure growth of the country’s manufacturing sector, will eventually result in more jobs.
At present, more than 45 million people are directly employed with textile industry being one of the biggest employment generators in the country. The textile industry contributes at least 2 per cent of India’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and 15 per cent of the country’s export earnings, notably.
