In a remarkable turn of events, Tamil Nadu’s small and medium spinning mills (MSMEs) have emerged from a challenging week-long hiatus and are back in full swing, resuming production and sale of cotton yarn. The revival comes on the heels of an encouraging meeting between The South India Spinners Association (SISPA) based in Coimbatore and the India Spinning Mill Owners Association (ISMA) with key state government officials.
SISPA’s Secretary, S Jagadesh Chandran, and ISMA’s President, G Subramaniam, jointly revealed that a high-level discussion was held on Friday with the state government’s top brass, including the Minister of Finance and Electricity, Thangam Thenarasu, the Minister of Textiles and Handlooms, R Gandhi, and the Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, T M Anbarasan. The spinning mill representatives left no stone unturned in addressing the pressing crisis gripping the industry and presented a comprehensive joint memorandum to the ministers.
The government’s response was nothing short of promising, as they assured the Spinning Mills Associations that they would promptly take up the matter with the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Understanding the gravity of the situation, the state government pledged to explore all avenues to provide much-needed relief to the industry.
One of the crucial steps taken was the government’s appeal to the central government to intervene and support the sector by addressing pertinent issues within its purview. The state government called for the elimination of the 11 per cent import duty on cotton and advocated for financial assistance under the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS), including an additional year of moratorium.
With hopes held high, the Spinning Mills Associations issued a compelling press note, urging their members to resume yarn production and sales in their spinning mills. The survival of the spinning industry in Tamil Nadu hinges on the combined efforts of the state and central governments, as they grapple with the challenges brought forth by the ongoing crisis.
The textile and handloom sectors have been an integral part of Tamil Nadu’s rich heritage and economy, and this resurgence signals a potential turning point for the entire state. The revival of production and sales in the MSMEs would not only mean livelihoods and businesses restored but also rejuvenate the supply chain and boost the state’s economy.
The united front displayed by SISPA and ISMA in collaboration with the state government showcases the power of collective action and the spirit of resilience. It sends a clear message that when industry stakeholders and the government collaborate, positive change is within reach, even in the most challenging times.
As the wheels of the spinning mills resume their rhythmic motion, the anticipation of adequate relief from both the state and central governments remains high. Tamil Nadu’s spinning industry hopes that their plea for support will not go unheard, and that swift action will ensure a brighter future for the vibrant textile sector that has been the pride of the state for generations.