Mumbai: Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, pressing for urgent measures to address the crisis in Maharashtra’s powerloom industry. Shaikh, who represents Bhiwandi East, highlighted the sector’s central role in India’s textile exports and warned of severe economic fallout if immediate action is not taken.
In his letter, Shaikh welcomed the formation of a state committee to study the impact of US tariffs on key industries but sought concrete steps to support the powerloom sector. He pointed out that powerlooms account for 60 percent of India’s fabric exports and contribute nearly 58.4 percent of the country’s total cloth production. Rising input costs, shrinking export orders, and declining competitiveness have already weakened the industry. The recent 50 percent tariffs imposed by the United States have further escalated the crisis.
Shaikh cautioned that without timely intervention, the situation could lead to closure of units, loss of export orders, and widespread unemployment. He urged the government to present a clear plan of action to safeguard jobs and ensure the sustainability of the sector.
Maharashtra plays a vital role in India’s textile production. The state produces around 272 million kilograms of yarn each year, about 12 percent of the national output. It is home to nearly 12.7 lakh powerlooms, almost half of the country’s total, supporting the livelihoods of close to 30 lakh people. Shaikh stressed that protecting this sector is essential to preserving both economic stability and employment in the state.
