Letter to Maran, on National Fibre Policy

[I4handloom]

Dear All,

Please find a letter to Mr. Dayanidhi Maran, on draft National Fibre
Policy, requesting for wider consultations, usage of more public
platforms and longer period of consultation. You are encouraged to
send this directly to the Minister.

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To 22nd June, 2010
Sri. Dayanidhi Maran
Union Minister for Textiles
Ministry of Textiles, Udyog Bhavan , New Delhi-110011
Ph.No. 91-11-23061338/ 18/14
Fax- 91-11-23063711 / 23063681



Ref: National Fibre Policy, 2010 – request for a nation-wide
consultation programme


Dear Sri. Dayanidhi Maran,

We are happy to note that your Ministry has brought out a draft
National Fibre Policy on 7th June, 2010. It is imperative to have a
long-term vision and a structured approach to the fibre production so
that the envisioned production of textile items across the textiles
value chain can be attained.

We understand that the important challenge in this process is to find
an equitable balance between growth of different fibres, and an
assessment of how such a growth would impact on the user industry.
Given the long term implications of the public investment on the
prescriptions of such a policy, we opine that an arena for discussions
be opened, wherein all stakeholders would have the facility to bring
in their perspectives, opinions and arguments.

We strongly believe that handloom sector would benefit from a positive
National Fibre Policy. National Fibre Policy should link the concerns
and aspirations of handloom sector with regard to accessibility of
natural fibres such as cotton, silk, jute and wool. Additionally,
linking the growth of natural fibres with handloom sector is likely to
increase employment and gross natural product.

Further, we strongly request you to put in a place a nation-wide
consultative process for the draft policy document developed by the
Working Committee on National Fibre Policy, constituted by the
government. This would help in collecting various viewpoints and
strengthening the acceptability of the National Fibre Policy. Through
such a process, various stakeholders of the fibre policy would be able
to strengthen the policy, which would help in achieving the objective
of the policy to enable the growth of Indian textile sector.

This consultation process should include small and marginal farmers
who would be the primary beneficiaries of a National Fibre Policy,
which addresses their needs and concerns. National Fibre Policy, we
understand, would affect the livelihoods of about 10 crore families
across India. Given its importance and reach, this Policy needs to be
debated and the provisions negotiated, so as to safeguard the
interests of small producers in various fibre supply chains across
India.

Currently, the draft National Fibre Policy is posted on the website on
Ministry of Textiles. While this might be the public domain, in India,
we strongly feel the need for usage of other modes of public
communication. Internet is still not a primary communication system
for crores of people. The draft policy also needs to be translated
into Indian languages. Presently announced period of one week for
opinion sharing, from 13th to 21st June, 2010, is completely
inadequate. There is a need to have atleast six month process, in
order to strengthen the National Fibre Policy, in tune with the needs
and concerns of crores of families employed in different fibre supply
chains, across India.

Looking forward to your positive response, in this regard.

Yours Truly,


Dr. D. Narasimha Reddy
201, Aarthi Residency, LN Colony, Saidabad, Hyderabad
e-mail: nreddy...@gmail.com