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Better designs, production techniques to boost carpet exports

Members of Indian Handmade Carpets Export Promotion were unanimous on upgradation of production techniques and design development.

Participants at a one-day national seminar on micro and macro aspects of carpet exports called for government's active support for setting up design studios at centres aided by the United Nations Development Programme.

The seminar was organised by the Carpet Export Promotion Council and attended by top functionaries of the Union and state governments, financial institutions, banks, besides representatives of traders in Bhadohi, Mirzapur, Varanasi, Agra, Panipat and Delhi.

There was a general consensus among members on tackling child labour problem more effectively. Officials said that the government had made a firm commitment to the International Labour Organisation to eradicate child labour.

Members were of the view that factory system would be the best way for organised production. They also wanted a time-frame to be fixed to work out proper implementation of labour laws.

It was decided to write to the director-general (shipping), asking him to make a thorough investigation into releasing goods by shipping lines without the original documents. They also wanted errant shipping lines indulging in malpractices to be blacklisted.

Officials stressed on the need for adopting information technology for development of carpet industry.

There is a policy for waiver by the RBI in case of bankruptcy of buyer. In case RBI issues a waiver, the exporter is not required to refund duty drawback, officials clarified.

From the government side, it was assured that it would support any proposal to strengthen infrastructure development, particularly in the carpet belt.

UNI

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