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Union
Textiles Minister Kanshi Ram Rana spoke to INDIA TODAY Associate
Editor Rohit Saran on his plans for
the industry:
On
the state of the textile industry.
In
the past 15 years no steps have been taken by any government-the
Centre or states-to assist and improve the textile industry. Compared
to other countries, our costs are high and quality is poor. The
Government should and will stem the slide. We have a backlog of
neglect to clear.
On
complaints of discrimination against mills.
Some
of the complaints are genuine. For instance, it is true that mills
pay a much higher rate of duties than power looms do. We have taken
up the matter with the Finance Minister and will hopefully find
a solution.
On
small-scale reservation for garment production.
The
small scale reservation on garment production should go. If we have
to compete in the global market, garments cannot be subjected to
any investment limits. Several experts have suggested dereservation
of garments. We will take a practical decision on this.
On
the new textile policy.
The
policy should be ready in two months. It will address the issues
of tax anomalies, technology, financial assistance and free trade
regime post-2004.
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Is
the market right in backing cartelisation by cement companies, asks India
Today Associate Editor V. Shankar Aiyar in Au ContrAiyar 