Question : R&D IN TEXTILE SECTOR

(a) whether the Government proposes to formulate a comprehensive R&D policy to make the textiles sector fundamentally strong and endure competitiveness;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether any proposal has been received by the Government for setting up of a National Textiles Research Council;

(d) if so, the details thereof alongwith reaction of the Government thereto;

(e) the time by which a final decision is likely to be taken in the matter; and

(f) if so, the other steps the Government proposes to take towards achieving considerable share in global market of advance technology based products and high value added items?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES (SMT. PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)

(a) & (b): Research & Development (R&D) policy provides financial support for industrial as well as generic research projects mainly to the Textile Research Associations (TRAs). The Focus areas for research include product development, cost reduction in the entire manufacturing chain including in utilities conservation, eco-friendly technologies, development of technical textiles including test methods and test equipments, application of information technology, application of biotechnology, R&D in knitting and garment technology, application of nanotechnology and plasma science etc. The research projects are first examined in the Screening Committee set up in the O/o Textile Commissioner, Mumbai and approved by the R&D Committee in the Ministry of Textiles.

(c): There is no proposal for setting up of a National Textiles Research Council.

(d) to (f): Does not arise in view of (c) above.