Government to bring changes in EPC norms to boost country’s exports

Based on the review conducted by the Textiles Ministry in December 2014 on the functioning of export promotion councils. The government discontented with the way the councils functions has taken decision to bring changes in the norms for better working of councils, which are provided with substantial funds to promote exports.

Currently, there are 23 export promotion councils (EPCs) of which ten are administered by the Textiles Ministry. These include Apparel, Handicraft, Carpet and Handloom. At the meeting it was decided that transparency is required in the election procedure of these councils.

The government to also review the way these councils nominate officers on the Board of Directors and management. Apart from this, all the executive heads of the textile EPCs may have to inform the ministry regarding their foreign country visits.

It was also decided that activities of the councils with regard to export and conduct of exhibition, buyer-seller meet within India and abroad should be reviewed on quarterly basis.

An official of a council said that issues related to functioning of these councils were discussed in the meeting called by the Textiles Minister.

Another official of the Council for Leather Exports said that the government should call a stakeholders meeting and discuss all the matters on which they have concerns.

Government provides funds to these councils in order to boost exports and other related activities. But the exports are hovering around USD 300 billion for the last few fiscals and these councils contribute in enhancing the outbound shipments.

Looking at the export performance, there is an urgent need to re-look at the functioning of these councils.