Bhilwara‘s famous textile industry has weathered many challenges in the past such as license raj and political apathy, and the latest it is facing these days are broadly two-fold: rapidly increasing electricity tariff, and allurements from neighbouring states to shift base there.
As Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat aggressively woo Bhilwara’s textile traders to set up units in their regions, there are concerns that the ‘Textile City’ of Rajasthan may lose its prominence unless the state government ratchets up efforts to help the industry flourish.
The textile industry in Bhilwara, comprising nearly 400 weaving units equipped with the latest technologies, has seen the best of times and overcome challenges such as water scarcity and the impact of the Covid pandemic. It hopes to overcome the latest set of crises, too.
“Electricity tariffs have been raised nine times in the last five years, and frequent power cuts have further complicated the operations of the textile units,” said Bhilwara Textile Trade Federation vice-president Prem Garg.
As the assembly elections draw near, the textile industry has started talking of its main demands-power subsidies and policies that would facilitate greater ease of doing business. “One government introduces some policies, and the next one reverts it. There should be some certainty and continuity in business policies,” said Garg.
RK Jain, the general secretary of Mewar Chamber of Commerce and Industries, shares Garg’s concerns. “The textile industry in Bhilwara faces high electricity expenses, with rates ranging from Rs 9 to Rs 9.30 per unit. Unlike states like Maharashtra or Madhya Pradesh, Bhilwara’s textile industry lacks the benefits of rebates and subsidies that could help offset these costs,” said Jain.
The governments of MP and Gujarat have been actively working to attract Bhilwara’s textile industries to establish units in their states. Garg said the two neighbouring states have created a business-friendly environment and that Madhya Pradesh has made particular efforts to lure Bhilwara’s textile traders.
“They (Madhya Pradesh government) conduct seminars in Bhilwara to show their commitment to investments and promise a hassle-free experience for entrepreneurs looking to invest in MP. Their officials assure us not to be concerned about tedious paperwork and sanction issues,” said Garg. Senior IAS officers from MP personally assure entrepreneurs that their approvals will go through a single-window system, ensuring a seamless experience without trouble, said Jain. “Many units from Bhilwara have already relocated to states like MP,” he said, adding that the Rajasthan government should make concerted efforts to ensure Bhilwara remains the state’s Textile City.
As Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat aggressively woo Bhilwara’s textile traders to set up units in their regions, there are concerns that the ‘Textile City’ of Rajasthan may lose its prominence unless the state government ratchets up efforts to help the industry flourish.
The textile industry in Bhilwara, comprising nearly 400 weaving units equipped with the latest technologies, has seen the best of times and overcome challenges such as water scarcity and the impact of the Covid pandemic. It hopes to overcome the latest set of crises, too.
“Electricity tariffs have been raised nine times in the last five years, and frequent power cuts have further complicated the operations of the textile units,” said Bhilwara Textile Trade Federation vice-president Prem Garg.
As the assembly elections draw near, the textile industry has started talking of its main demands-power subsidies and policies that would facilitate greater ease of doing business. “One government introduces some policies, and the next one reverts it. There should be some certainty and continuity in business policies,” said Garg.
RK Jain, the general secretary of Mewar Chamber of Commerce and Industries, shares Garg’s concerns. “The textile industry in Bhilwara faces high electricity expenses, with rates ranging from Rs 9 to Rs 9.30 per unit. Unlike states like Maharashtra or Madhya Pradesh, Bhilwara’s textile industry lacks the benefits of rebates and subsidies that could help offset these costs,” said Jain.
The governments of MP and Gujarat have been actively working to attract Bhilwara’s textile industries to establish units in their states. Garg said the two neighbouring states have created a business-friendly environment and that Madhya Pradesh has made particular efforts to lure Bhilwara’s textile traders.
“They (Madhya Pradesh government) conduct seminars in Bhilwara to show their commitment to investments and promise a hassle-free experience for entrepreneurs looking to invest in MP. Their officials assure us not to be concerned about tedious paperwork and sanction issues,” said Garg. Senior IAS officers from MP personally assure entrepreneurs that their approvals will go through a single-window system, ensuring a seamless experience without trouble, said Jain. “Many units from Bhilwara have already relocated to states like MP,” he said, adding that the Rajasthan government should make concerted efforts to ensure Bhilwara remains the state’s Textile City.
