Feasibility of providing a fully indigenous clothing solution for the Indian armed forces was discussed at a one-day conclave held in New Delhi.

 

Organised by the National Textiles Corporation (NTC), the conclave was chaired by Sanjay Kumar Panda, secretary – textiles, Government of India, and deliberated on the subject of indigenisation and supply of special clothing to soldiers, on the concept of ‘Make in India’.

 

Panda stressed on the need for quality improvement, adherence to time lines and import substitution in technical textiles area, so that the Indian armed and paramilitary forces could get the best solution at the best price.

 

Lt. Gen. Ravi Thodge, Master General Ordnance, ministry of defence, mentioned that there is a budget of nearly Rs 2000 crore for purchase of textile related products every year. He said that technical textiles hold promise for improving performance and safety in the Army. He suggested that a single window solution may be evolved where public sector units like NTC can work together for mutual benefits.

 

The conclave was attended by senior officers from the ministry of textiles, ministry of defence and the Indian Army. Representatives of NITRA, ATIRA and key stakeholders of technical textile industry too participated. (RKS)