Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 26: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday called for the formation of a joint committee between the textiles and energy departments to explore the use of solar power in the state’s textile sector, aiming to resolve longstanding power supply challenges faced by the industry.

Chairing a high-level review meeting of the textiles department, Fadnavis also directed that a uniform financial assistance framework be established for new cooperative spinning mills, with specific budgetary provisions from departments focused on Social Justice, Tribal Development, and OBC Welfare.

He stressed the modernisation and grading of cooperative spinning mills while extending the interest subsidy scheme on loans, and sought a detailed report on the potential reopening of closed National Textile Corporation (NTC) mills in Maharashtra to be submitted to the Centre.

Among key directives:

• Amend the Integrated and Sustainable Textile Policy 2023–28
• Devise a policy to recover government dues from cooperative spinning and power loom units
• Expedite registration of all power looms across the state
• Secure a no-objection certificate from the Maharashtra State Khadi Village Industries Board for renovation work at the Silk Directorate in Pune

Fadnavis also reviewed multiple proposals, including:

• Creation of a new Maharashtra State Textiles Development Corporation
• Merger of the Textiles Commissionerate and Silk Directorate
• A scheme for rehabilitation and leasing of spinning mills
• Revision of project valuation for spinning mills from Rs 80.9 crore to Rs 118 crore
• Permanent acquisition of land in Satara district from the Red Cross Society for silk department use

Textiles minister Sanjay Savkare, MLC Amrish Patel, and senior departmental officials were present at the meeting.