Inauguration Of Vastra-2015

Chief Minister Smt. Vasundhara Raje has said that Rajasthan has modern textile manufacturing units side-by-side with a wide variety of traditional textiles that are unique. She said blending of modern with traditional has given new heights to the textile sector. Our textile handicrafts symbolize a rich legacy of traditional techniques and materials that are celebrated as true works of arts. Our artisans and have carried down the priceless intellectual wealth generation-to-generation, she said.

Smt. Raje was speaking at the inauguration of the 4th International Textile and Apparel Fair ‘Vastra-2015’ at Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre, Sitapura. She said Rajasthan is the state blessed with an incredible variety of forts, palaces, monuments, landscapes and a vast array of natural resources but it also has its strength in Textiles.

The Chief Minister said Government of Rajasthan has has set the target to provide 15 lac jobs in the next few years. Significant number of it shall come from the textile sector. She said Rajasthan Skills & Livelihoods Development Corporation (RSLDC) is working with industry in improving employability of the workforce. She urged the business houses to come forward and partner with the state in this endeavor.

Smt. Raje said textiles has been included as a thrust sector in RIPS-2014. Positive atmosphere for investment has been generated due to the steps taken regarding ease of doing business and the the incentive packages being provided to investors. In the recently released rankings for EODB Rajasthan has been given 6th rank. Reserve Bank has also ranked the state as 3rd in fresh investment after Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Thus the state has three major feathers in its cap during the last one and half years, she said.

The Chief Minister said this year in December, the first Heritage Fashion Festival shall be organised in Jaipur that shall show case some of the best designers in India and from abroad who shall present their creations out of traditional textiles like Khadi, Kota Doria etc. This event shall be an iconic one and the government intends to make this a regular feature of the annual calendar of the events in the state, she said.

Union Textile Minister Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar said Rajasthan is moving ahead on the path of development under the leadership of Smt. Vasundhara Raje. Due to efforts of Smt. Raje the state has made unique identity in various sectors. The efforts made by the state government under Smt. Raje have yielded results in textiles sector also, he said.

Shri Gangwar said Smt. Raje is one among the Chief Ministers who regulary remain in contact with the Centre for developmental issues.

The Union Minister of State for Textiles said textile is the second important sector after agriculture in India. It has ample opportunities for export besides employment generation capacity. He said identity of textile ministry as the land selling ministry is changing now and the these changes are visible.

Shri Gangwar said pollution in textiles sector is a matter of concern for all and concrete efforts are being made by Rajasthan for the solution of this problem. He said Rajasthan has sent proposals regarding this and the centre has accepted the proposal relate to CETP plant in Balotara, Barmer and decision would be made for other proposals also, he said.

Industry Minister of Rajasthan Shri Gajendra Singh Khimvsar said textiles sector is on the path of progress and the government is providing various incentives for this sector. Sanganer Print, Bagroo Print, Kota Dorea, Dari and other articles of Rajasthan have made Rajasthan famous on international level. Principal Secretary Industry Smt. Veenu Gupta while welcoming the guests said Vastra-2015 will explore avenues for new business.

During the inauguration ceremony an MoU was also signed between VICO Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. and RIICO for investment of worth Rs. 300 crore in Textiles sector. Chief Secretary Shri C. S. Rajan, High Commissioner of Brunei, Ambassadors of Vietnam and Poland were also present in the inaugural function.

The Chief Minister released the directory of Vastra-2015 and visited the stalls where she keenly saw the bandhej, sanganeri print, blue pottery and other textiles.

Jaipur, 28th September 2015