A fully indigenous ‘Made in India’ clothing solution for our soldiers. This was the theme of a one-day conclave held today, in the capital.

The conclave was organized by the National Textiles Corporation in the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with active participation of senior officers of Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of Defence and the Indian Army. Representatives of NITRA, ATIRA and key stakeholders of Technical textile industry too participated.

The event was chaired by Shri Sanjay Kumar Panda, Secretary - Textiles, Government of India and was attended by Lt. Gen. Ravi Thodge, AVSM, VSM, SM, Master General Ordnance, Ministry of Defence.

The conclave deliberated on the subject of providing our soldiers a fully indigenous clothing solution, on the concept of “Make in India”.

Shri S. K. Panda stressed on the need for quality improvement, adherence to time lines and import substitution in this area of Technical Textiles, so that our armed and paramilitary forces could get the best solution at the best price.

Lt. Gen. Ravi Thodge, MGO mentioned that there is a budget of almost 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 PSUs like NTC can work together for mutual benefits.

Referring to the Defence - ITTA Joint Exhibition cum Seminar 2015, held recently at New Delhi, Shri V.P Yajurvedi, Addl. DGOF said that this is a step ahead towards indigenization of special clothing.

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DJM