This statement prompted MP Sanjeev Arora from Ludhiana to raise concerns during the session. Arora sought clarity on the measures being taken to address this downturn.
Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for Textiles, informed the Rajya Sabha (RS) that textile exports from Punjab have experienced a 30 per cent decline over the past three years. This statement prompted MP Sanjeev Arora from Ludhiana to raise concerns during the session. Arora sought clarity on the measures being taken to address this downturn.
As Punjab’s textile exports continue to decline, industry stakeholders are urging for stronger policy interventions and state-level strategies to reverse the trend, highlighting the critical impact on a sector that is vital to the state’s economy and livelihoods.
Presenting provisional data, Margherita revealed that Punjab’s textile exports, which include apparel and handicrafts, have sharply dropped in the last three years. The exports, valued at $2,111.5 million in FY 2021-22, fell to $1,502.2 million in FY 2022-23 and further to $1,500.4 million in FY 2023-24, marking a nearly 30 per cent decline over the three-year period.
Arora expressed concern over this sustained reduction, stressing the potential negative effects on Punjab’s economy, particularly regarding employment and the manufacturing sector. He questioned the government on efforts to diversify export markets for textiles, given the shifting global trade dynamics and increased competition from countries such as Bangladesh and Vietnam.
The MP also highlighted the importance of investing in advanced textile technology and workforce skill development to revive the industry. He emphasised the need for innovation and alignment with international standards to restore Punjab’s position in global markets.
In response, the minister outlined on-going initiatives aimed at revitalising the textile sector. He mentioned that skilling programs under the Samarth Scheme, part of the National Skill Qualification Framework, have benefited approximately 800 individuals in Punjab since April 2021. Export incentives, such as the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) and Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP), are being implemented to enhance competitiveness. The minister also noted infrastructure projects like the PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks Scheme and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, which aim to promote large-scale manufacturing.
Arora also suggested that aggressive marketing strategies and collaborations are needed to open new markets for Punjab’s textile exports in regions like West Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa.