Imagining textile hub in Bhiwandi

Abstract

What are the basic needs of a man? Food, Clothing and Shelter. The Textile Sector in India ranks next to Agriculture. Textile is one of India’s oldest industries and it occupies a unique place in our country. It is one of the earliest which came into existence in India. It has 14 percent of the total Industrial production, which contributes nearly 30 percent of the total exports. After agriculture, most of the individuals are engaged and employed in this sector. Textile Industries are providing one of the most basic needs of people which hold importance in maintaining sustained growth and for improving quality of life. It has a unique position as a selfreliant industry, from the assembly of raw materials to the delivery of finished products, with substantial value-addition at every stage of processing. It’s a serious contribution to the country's economy. This paper deals with structure, growth and size of the Indian textile trade, role of textile trade in economy, key blessings of the trade, textile trade export and international state of affairs and strength, weakness, opportunities and treats of the Indian textile trade. Bhiwandi is a city, situated in the district of thane, in the western part of the Maharashtra state, in India. The city is considered a part of the greater Mumbai metropolitan agglomeration, along with Navi Mumbai, Kalyan, Thane, Dombivali, Mira-Bhayandar and the Vasai-Virar region. Bhiwandi is known for its textile industry, and it has the largest number of power looms in the country and is known as Manchester of India. Major population of Bhiwandi are engaged & employed in power loom sector for their income. There are about 11.06 lakhs power looms in Maharashtra; Out of which around 8 lakhs power looms machines are found in Bhiwandi. The city produces around 3 crores meters fabric per day and it estimates that around 60 lakhs meters of grey fabrics of special qualities is sourced from Bhiwandi on daily basis. As there are growing scope of textile in our country as stated by Indian ministry of textile, a textile hub in necessary for a city which has this huge number of power looms and textile production, this will eventually increase the economy of the city as well as standard of living of the people.