Citing various reasons for being unable to achieve the target of Rs 25,000 crore, the South India Small Spinners Association (SISSPA) has put up a memorandum to the Union Textile Ministry to extend the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) upto 2010.
Manufacturers were unable to deliver machines before 36 months and hence, the mills have sought extension of the scheme, SISSPA President K R Selvakumar mentioned in the memorandum.
Abolition of Minimum Economic Size (MES) and spindleage criteria for TUF eligibility was demanded by the Association. He suggested that blow room line utilisation should not to be considered in fixing MES.
Mills manufacturing 20s count required one full blow room line to feed 4,000 spindles whereas those requiring count pattern of 80s and 100s, blow room utilisation would be just 30 per cent more.
He also appealed the Minister for speedier reimbursement of interest subsidy through TUFS as the nodal agencies were delaying the process.
Funds should be provided for research in Extra Long Staple Cotton seeds, the memorandum mentioned.
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