Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles and Chairperson of the Textiles Committee, began a two-day visit to Mumbai to review ongoing programmes, institutional performance, and policy implementation across key bodies under the Ministry of Textiles. On the first day, she focused on activities related to handlooms and allied sectors, accompanied by Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms).
Engagement With Maharashtra Officials
During the visit, the Secretary met Anshu Sinha, IAS, Principal Secretary (Textiles), Government of Maharashtra, along with senior state officials. They discussed ways to strengthen coordination between state and central agencies, improve the implementation of textile-related schemes, and address challenges affecting industry growth.
Review at the Textiles Committee
The visit began with a detailed review at the Textiles Committee. Rao evaluated the organisation’s current activities in the context of the Textiles Committee Act, 1963. She advised the team to restructure and reorient its work to meet statutory objectives and support the evolving needs of the industry.
She stressed the importance of scientific, technical, and economic research and urged the Committee to realign its priorities. According to her guidance, the Textiles Committee must act as a bridge between the industry and the government, offering critical ground-level insights to enable effective policy interventions.
Visit to SASMIRA
Rao then visited the Synthetic & Art Silk Mills’ Research Association (SASMIRA). The review covered ongoing R&D in technical textiles, man-made fibres, and green innovations.
She appreciated SASMIRA’s contributions in training, industrial testing, and capacity building. Additionally, she emphasised the need for the organisation to align research efforts with global sustainability goals and recycling-focused advancements.
Review at the Weavers Service Centre
At the Weavers Service Centre (WSC), Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), the Secretary and Dr. Beena reviewed major schemes such as the National Handloom Development Programme, Cluster Development Programme, and key marketing initiatives.
Rao highlighted the importance of integrating technology into handloom practices, strengthening e-commerce opportunities for weavers, and accelerating Handloom Mark promotion to boost both domestic visibility and export potential.
Interactions With TEXPROCIL
The delegation next visited the Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL). Discussions covered export competitiveness, market diversification, value addition, and the promotion of Kasturi Cotton Bharat.
Rao appreciated the Council’s support to exporters through trade fairs, buyer–seller meets, and international branding efforts.
Meeting With MATEXIL
A similar review took place at the Man-made Textiles Export Promotion Council (MATEXIL). The session focused on export trends, key challenges for synthetic and blended textile exporters, and strategies for improving global visibility.
She encouraged MATEXIL to adopt sustainability-led export models and leverage FTAs and trade partnerships to unlock new market access.
Evening Review at the Office of the Textile Commissioner
In the evening, the Secretary conducted a comprehensive review at the Office of the Textile Commissioner. The meeting covered flagship schemes of the Ministry, including the PM MITRA Parks Scheme, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles, and SAMARTH – Skill Development Scheme.
Later, she chaired a discussion with major industry associations, consulting representatives from across the textile value chain on policy priorities, sustainability measures, and investment outlook.
