Apparel Industry Calls for Support Amid Rising Challenges

Noida Entrepreneurs Urge Government to Implement PLI Scheme for Entire Garments and Textile Sector
Entrepreneurs from Noida’s garments and textile sector have highlighted the urgent need for government support to boost the industry. They have called for the extension of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme across the entire industry to stimulate growth and competitiveness. At present, the benefits of the PLI scheme are limited to a few specific segments, such as man-made fibres. Expanding this scheme could provide much-needed relief to the broader apparel and textile ecosystem.

Key Highlights:
•    Industry Size: Noida’s garments and textile industry contributes a total business of ₹50,000 crore annually. This includes ₹40,000 crore from exports and ₹10,000 crore from the domestic market.
•    Employment: The sector employs over 8 lakh workers directly and indirectly, making it a significant contributor to the region’s economy.

Current Challenges:
1.    Limited Scope of Incentives: The current PLI scheme covers only certain segments, such as man-made fibres. Entrepreneurs argue that extending the scheme to cover the entire industry, including traditional and export-oriented segments, could drive substantial growth.
2.    Export Competitiveness: With rising global competition, Noida’s textile clusters face challenges in maintaining their edge in international markets.
3.    Technological Modernization: Lack of access to advanced machinery and technologies has hindered production efficiency and innovation in the sector.

Industry Demands:
•    Expanded PLI Scheme: Entrepreneurs have requested that the government include all segments of the textile industry under the PLI scheme, ensuring equal opportunities for growth.
•    Technology Upgradation Funds: Additional financial support for investing in new technologies to modernize manufacturing processes and enhance productivity.
•    Ease of Doing Business: Simplifying policies and providing faster clearances for new units could attract further domestic and foreign investments.

Expert Insights:
Lalit Thukral, President of the Noida Apparel Exporters Cluster, emphasized, “If the government includes the entire textile industry under the PLI scheme, it will not only encourage large-scale manufacturing but also strengthen the position of Indian exports in global markets. This sector holds immense potential, and timely intervention is crucial for its sustained growth.”
Rajiv Bansal, a senior industry leader, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “New policies and initiatives to support the apparel industry can unlock unprecedented growth. Government collaboration is the need of the hour to bring the sector back on the path of rapid development.”

Government Support Expected:
The apparel industry remains optimistic about receiving favourable measures in the upcoming Union Budget 2025-26. Industry stakeholders believe that a more inclusive PLI scheme, along with incentives for export promotion, could revitalize the sector and create millions of jobs.

Industry Statistics:
•    Total Units: 4,000
•    Export Units: 1,250
•    Designers: 265
•    Direct Workforce: 8 lakh workers
With its vital contribution to the economy and employment, the garments and textile sector stands as a pillar of India’s growth. Entrepreneurs are hopeful that their demands will be addressed, setting the stage for a stronger and more sustainable industry.