Garment manufacturers in Rajasthan are urging the industries department to acknowledge their sector within the one-district-one-product (ODOP) category, seeking benefits similar to those provided in Uttar Pradesh and other states.
Currently, the gem and jewellery sector has been included in the ODOP by the department, though the benefits are yet to be announced. The primary aim of ODOP is to boost exports of at least one product from each district.
With over 200 garment manufacturers gearing up to participate in the inaugural global textile expo organized by the Union textile ministry in Delhi, the Garment Exporters Association of Rajasthan (GEAR) has brought attention to the benefits offered by Uttar Pradesh to its manufacturers.
Under the ODOP scheme in UP, the state refunds up to 75 per cent or Rs 50,000 (whichever is higher) of stall charges for state exhibitors in fairs and exhibitions within the state.
Additionally, UP provides Rs 1.5 – 2 lakh for participation in national and international events outside the state. To further incentivize participation, the state reimburses 75 per cent of transport charges and traveling expenses of exhibitors.
Zakir Hussain, President of GEAR, emphasized that despite several discussions with the industries department in the past, no concrete actions have been taken.
He reiterated the request for the department to address the issue promptly by including the garment sector in ODOP, ensuring a level playing field for competition with manufacturers from other states.
Lalit Thukral, Chairman of the International Garment Fair Association (IGFA), who participated in a city roadshow for Bharat TEX-2024, pointed out the significant opportunity presented by the global textile expo.
With 3500 exhibitors, 3000 foreign buyers, and 40,000 trade visitors, the expo serves as an excellent platform for Rajasthan’s textile and garment industry to showcase and market their products.
Thukral emphasised that Jaipur is a thriving hub for the garment and textile industry, requiring exposure not only to expand its client base but also to stay informed about new trends.
The roadshow also featured addresses from Akhilesh Kumar, Deputy Director-General of the Textiles Ministry, and Mithileshwar Thakur, General Secretary of the Apparel Export Promotion Council.
