THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Union Textiles Minister Dayanidhi Maran declared on Saturday that the ministry would consider inclusion of Parvathi Mills of Kollam under the modernisation scheme of National Textile Corporation (NTC).
Describing it as an ‘Onam gift’ for Kerala, Maran said that the ministry would consider ways to find funds for the purpose of modernisation of Parvathi Mills by auctioning the assets.
He was responding to a request by Food and Civil Supplies Minister C Divakaran during the inaugural function of three modernised NTC mills in the State.
Delivering the presidential address on the Vijayamohini Mills campus here on Saturday, Maran said that the modernisation scheme for mills in the State which cost Rs 100 crore, enabling them to reach the capacity of 1.39 lakh spindles, would give direct employment to 2,000 persons.
The entire modernisation scheme is funded through sale of assets worth Rs 4,149 crore.
“To enhance the transparency of selling the assets, the NTC will go for e-auction in future,” Maran said. “Out of 18 modernised mills, nine have already got ISO-9001 certification and 16 units among them are generating cash profits.” During the address, Maran thanked the State Government for extending helping hand in the construction of a new building for National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Kannur, which was expected to be completed by December this year.
During the inaugural address, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said that the modernisation scheme of textile mills would strengthen the industrial prospects of the State.
Requesting more Central help in the revival of industry sector in the state, the Chief Minister said that Kerala had got the least investment from Central funds.
Adding that the Planning Commission’s approach towards Kochi Metro Project was not-so- favourable, he said more Central funds were needed for khadi and handloom sectors.
Earlier, Minister Divakaran requested the Union Minister to include Parvathi Mills in Kollam in the modernisation drive of the Ministry.
V Sivankutty MLA, Textiles joint secretary Sujit Gulati, NTC Chairman K Ramakrishna Pillai, NTC Chief General Manager, southern region, M M Chokkalingam were present.