Maharashtra CM pushes for solar power in textile sector

To tackle the ongoing power supply challenges, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has asked for a special committee to be formed. This committee, which will include officials from the energy and textile departments, will explore how solar power can be used in the textile sector.

He also instructed the Social Justice, Tribal Development, and Other Backward Classes Welfare Departments to develop a common set of rules for providing financial aid to newly formed cooperative spinning mills. According to him, every department should contribute additional support to the spinning mills falling under their respective areas.

CM Fadnavis chaired a review meeting of the textile department, which saw the participation of top officials from multiple departments, Textile Minister Sanjay Savkare, and Legislative Council member Amrish Patel.

The Chief Minister stated that cooperative spinning mills should be upgraded and rated properly before offering them interest subsidies. He further emphasized that a report should be prepared on the closed mills under the National Textile Corporation and a proposal for their reopening should be submitted to the central government.

Fadnavis said that changes should be made to the current Integrated and Sustainable Textile Policy 2023–28 as needed. He also recommended creating a clear policy for recovering dues owed to the government by cooperative spinning mills and power loom organizations.

Additionally, he directed that registration of all power looms in the state must be completed without delay. He ordered immediate renovation work on the Silk Directorate’s building in Pune and called for new construction to obtain a no-objection certificate from the Maharashtra State Khadi Village Industries Board.