Textiles ministry launches wellness program for workers

In a bid to introduce best global practices and technological up-gradations in the embroidery sector, the ministry of state for textiles has launched a unique wellness programme aimed at the overall development of the workers employed in the sector. The move is expected to bring relief to almost 45 million people associated with the industry.

Despite the prevalent world status, the textile sector has been experiencing new difficulties, largely due to technological obsolesces and fatigued workforce. Taking this into consideration, Embroidery Intelligence Quotient (EMBiQ) commissioned an expert panel to conduct an in-depth study of the varied working conditions and associated health risks of all departments of the apparel industry.

The program was unveiled by Ajay Tamta, minister of state for textiles, along with HKL Magu, chairman Apparel Exporters Promotion Council and Sudhir Dhingra, chairman, Orient Craft Ltd.

The EMBiQ wellness programme is a comprehensive programme covering lifestyle changes, nutrition, yoga and exercises, which can be followed easily to overcome the health issues faced by the workers in the sector, specifically, while performing their job-role. It incorporates well researched diet plan which is both effective and affordable and safety guidelines aimed at avoiding accidents in each function.

Keeping in mind the immediate need of a wellness module, it has also been decided to make it available to all workers for free. It is a token of gratitude for their immense contribution towards developing the embroidery sector, the ministry said in a press release.

In times when the apparel and textile industry has been facing stiff competition, the focus must always be on out-of-the-box thinking for improving efficiency and productivity. EMBiQ wellness module is a step in that direction.

"What EMBiQ has offered is unique in the industry. The programs have not been offered by any existing institute. If we have to make our industry grow, we have to invest in training & development. Any issues that the garment experts have regarding GST & duty draw backs, will be addressed by the government very soon," Ajay Tamta said.

"The apparel industry is the biggest employment generator in the country with computer embroidery being its forte. It is imperative that the vision EMBiQ has shared and quickly implemented across the industry. It is the tool that can help the Indian apparel expert face the challenge it is facing today," HKL Magu, chairman AEPC.

"At EMBiQ our vision is to empower the apparel industry with the Power of Knowledge by bridging the gap through technical and management education which has been neglected so far in the embroidery domain," Vikas Kapoor, co-founder.