Rs 4k cr package likely for leather industry

The Indian Government is expected to announce a Rs 4,000-crore incentive package for the leather and footwear segment in July to boost manufacturing, exports and job creation in the country. The Commerce and Industry Ministry, which has mooted the proposal, has asked for the Rs 4,000-crore package, which includes both tax and non-tax benefits on the lines of the steps announced for the textiles sector last year.

A sum of Rs 500 crore has already been sanctioned by the Finance Ministry for the sector. Seeking incentives, the Ministry has circulated a note to collect views of other ministries.

“The package would be part of the revamped Indian Leather Development Programme (ILDP). The expenditure finance committee would discuss the note and then the Ministry would seek Union Cabinet’s nod on the proposal. By July, we will be able to announce it,” an official said.

The ILDP ended last fiscal and the Ministry has asked for extending it for three more fiscals, the official said. The major players of the sector includes Bata India, Liberty Shoes, Mirza International and Relaxo Footwear.