In a vital appeal to the Union Textile Ministry, the Federation of Gujarat Weavers Welfare Association (FOGWWA) has called for the postponement of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) implementation for textile machinery until March 2027. The request was formally presented to Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh during a meeting in New Delhi.
FOGWWA President Ashok Jirawala expressed concerns over the industry's dependence on advanced, high-speed machinery imported from global manufacturers. He emphasized that no domestic companies currently produce such technologically advanced equipment. "Attempts by local manufacturers to produce these machines have been unsuccessful," Jirawala stated in the written appeal.
The association warned that immediate enforcement of BIS standards could have far-reaching consequences for the textile industry, potentially disrupting its growth trajectory. Among the challenges highlighted were declining fabric exports, reduced employment opportunities, and increased difficulty in competing with global textile giants like China. "Premature implementation of BIS standards would not only burden industrialists but also jeopardize the sector’s ability to maintain its competitive edge," Jirawala noted.
The appeal underscores the need for a measured approach to standardization, balancing the long-term benefits of compliance with the immediate realities of industrial capabilities. FOGWWA’s intervention aims to provide the necessary time for domestic manufacturers to enhance their technological capabilities, reducing dependence on imports and fostering a self-reliant ecosystem.
This appeal comes at a critical juncture for India’s textile sector, which has been witnessing steady growth fueled by technological advancements and increasing global demand. FOGWWA hopes that the government’s decision will reflect an understanding of the sector’s unique challenges and allow the industry to continue its upward trajectory without disruption.
12:44 PM, Jan 28