Jaipur: The garment manufacturers in Rajasthan have urged the industries department to recognise their sector in the one-district-one-product (ODOP) category and extend benefits like Uttar Pradesh and other states are giving.
Currently, the department has included the gem and jewellery sector in the ODOP even though it is yet to announce the benefits. The objective of the ODOP is to promote exports of at least one product from each district.
As over 200 garment manufacturers are planning to participate in the first global textile expo organised by Union textile ministry in Delhi, Garment Exporters Association of Rajasthan (GEAR) has drawn attention of the industries department to the benefits UP is providing to their manufacturers.
Under the ODOP scheme UP is refunding stall charges of state’s exhibitors up to 75% or Rs 50,000 (whichever is higher) for fairs and exhibitions happening in the state and Rs 1.5 -2 lakh for participating in national and international events outside the state.
To encourage manufacturers for participation in the events, it is also reimbursing 75% of transport charges of goods and travelling expenses of the exhibitor.
GEAR president Zakir Hussain said, “We have had 3-4 discussions with the industries department in the past but nothing concrete has been done. We again request the department to take up the issue and include the garment sector in ODOP so that we also get a level-playing field to compete with manufacturers of other states.”
Lalit Thukral, chairman, International Garment Fair Association (IGFA), who was in the city on the roadshow for Bharat TEX-2024, said that as about 3500 exhibitors, 3000 foreign buyers and 40,000 trade visitors are participating in the global textile expo, it provides a good platform for Rajasthan’s textile and garment industry to showcase and market their products.
“Jaipur is thriving hub of garmenting and textile industry. They need exposure not only to expand their client base but also learn new trends,” added Thukral.
The roadshow was also addressed by deputy director general of textiles ministry Akhilesh Kumar, general secretary of Apparel Export Promotion Council Mithileshwar Thakur.
