(a) whether the Government proposes to increase the import duty on over 50 textile products from fibre to apparels and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the initiative will boost domestic textiles manufacturing sector in the country and also the ‘Make in India’ initiative in the textile sector;
(c) whether the Government has taken any specific measures to promote textile industries in the State of Chhattisgarh; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the outcome of the initiatives?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES
(SHRI AJAY TAMTA)
(a) & (b): Yes Madam. Government has increased customs duty on around 700 textile and apparel products from 10% to 20% to contain textile and apparel imports in the country. It is expected that this initiative will boost domestic textile manufacturing and Make in India initiative in the textile sector.
(c) & (d): Government of Indian has taken various initiatives to promote textile and apparel industry, and textile industry in Chhattisgarh canavail of these initiatives. Details are as follows:
• To increase exports of textile and apparel from India, Government has announced a Special Package for garments and made-ups sectors. The package offers labour law reforms, additional incentives under ATUFS, enhanced duty drawback coverage and relaxation of Section 80JJAA of Income Tax Act.
• The rates under Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) have been enhanced from 2% to 4% for apparel and made-ups w.e.f. 1st November 2017.
• Products such as fibre, yarn and fabric in the textile value chain are being strengthened and made competitive through various schemes, inter alia, Powertex for fabric segment, Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS) for all segments except spinning, Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP) for all segments, etc.
• IGST has been exempted on import under Advance Authorisation and Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme.
• Interest rate subvention is available for pre and post shipment credit for the textile sector
• Marketing assistance to exporters is given under the Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme.
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