Textiles Minister calls for modernisation of knitwear industry at WBHA’s 125th anniversary event

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Dec 26, 2019

Union Minister for Textiles and Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani, called for the modernisation of India’s knitwear industry at a celebration of the West Bengal Hosiery Association’s (WBHA) 125th anniversary in Kolkata.

 
The WBHA held a celebration for its 125th anniversary on December 20 in Kolkata, the Clothing Manufacturers’ Association of India announced on Facebook. Chief Guest Minister Irani addressed guests at the event and called for an overhaul of the industry for the next phase of growth, the Millennium Post reported. Other guests of honour at the event included the CMAI’s president, Rakesh Biyani, and the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre’s vice chairman, A Sakthivel.
 
"We have the skill but it should be upgraded for better production,” said Irani, the Millennium Post reported.

“We have signed Memorandum of Understandings with 18 state governments with industry partners to develop skill of the workers."

Irani also stated that her department has earmarked Rs 55 crore ($8.27 million) to create a knitwear park.
 
Irani called for the use of more modern machines in the knitwear industry in order to improve garment quality. She also spoke about a number of government schemes to provide financial incentives to women workers and warned against the negative effects using old machinery has on production.