SIMA seeks free trade agreements to promote textile exports
The Hindu
Association chairman meets Ministers in New Delhi
Chairman of Southern India Mills’ Association Ravi Sam met Minister for Commerce and Industry and Textiles Piyush Goyal in New Delhi on Tuesday and sought measures to improve textile exports.
Mr. Ravi Sam said he discussed in detail with the Minister the need for free trade agreements, reduction of hank yarn obligation, and the need to remove import duty on cotton.
The need to renegotiate bilateral agreements with neighbouring countries, electricity related matters, and revamping the Handloom Reservation Act were also discussed.
More than 2.6 lakh village and ward volunteers in Andhra Pradesh, once celebrated as the government’s grassroots champions for their crucial role in implementing welfare schemes, are now in a dilemma after learning that their tenure has not been renewed after August 2023 even though they have been paid honoraria till June 2024. Disowned by both YSRCP, which was in power when they were appointed, and the current ruling TDP, which made a poll promise to double their pay, these former volunteers are ruing the day they signed up for the role which they don’t know if even still exists