Aurangabad needs one mega textile cluster to boost the handloom sector

Aurangabad, Feb 5:

With the announcement in the union budget to set up seven mega textile clusters in the country, there is a demand from various quarters that one of them should be set up for the Himroo and Paithani industries in Aurangabad. This will enable the local textile industry to attract large investments, boost employment generation, and become globally competitive.

This cluster is being demanded considering the potential of the traditional handloom, textiles and handicrafts industries to generate massive employment and also creating a distinctive regional identity and characteristics unique to the Marathwada region. There are several handlooms and handicrafts industries producing Paithani sarees and Himroo shawls, sarees, bedsheets and stoles. Himroo from Aurangabad is in demand for its unique style and design. But due to lack of development, new technology, scarce capital, the handlooms and handicrafts sectors have remained underdeveloped. However, this sector is best suited to achieve planned objectives of self-sufficiency, self-reliance and Make in India schemes of the central government. Owing to geographical specialization, exports are possible, provided the production cost is brought to the minimal using the latest technology.

All facilities for the cluster are available

According to the entrepreneurs, the central government announced to set up seven mega textile clusters in the country this year. At least two hundred acres of land is expected for this cluster. Aurangabad being an industrial hub has ample land, infrastructure and facilities to attract a cluster. There is also a large amount of land available in Auric with transport facilities accessible across the country by rail, air and road. Hence all the required components for a mega textile cluster are available here, so the entrepreneurs in handloom and handicrafts sector are expecting a mega textile park for the city.

Must assemble artisans under one roof

If received a proper boost, the handicraft industry in Aurangabad can attract thousands of craftsman, weavers and artisans. Fabrics and shawls from Aurangabad are much in demand for their unique style and design. Handloom industry exists in pockets scattered throughout the state. As this industry is totally decentralized, efforts should be made to assemble artisans under a textile cluster to enable the textile industry to attract large investments, boost employment generation, and become globally competitive, said the entrepreneurs.