Power-Loom Development and Export Promotion Council (PDEXCIL)

Introduction:

The Power-Loom Development and Export Promotion Council (PDEXCIL) is an apex body established under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The council is dedicated to promoting the development and export of power-loom products, which form an integral part of the Indian textile industry. It aims to increase the production and export of high-quality fabric woven on power looms, catering to domestic as well as international markets.

PDEXCIL serves as a platform to bring together stakeholders from the power-loom sector, including manufacturers, exporters, and traders, to improve their business prospects and ensure the global competitiveness of Indian power-loom products.

Constitution:

PDEXCIL operates as a non-profit organization and is governed by a Board of Directors, which consists of representatives from various sectors of the textile industry, including power-loom owners, manufacturers, exporters, and officials from the Ministry of Textiles. The constitution of PDEXCIL defines the scope of its activities, organizational structure, and key responsibilities, which include fostering the growth of the power-loom sector, developing markets for its products, and facilitating trade.

The council’s governance framework ensures that the interests of power-loom manufacturers, particularly small and medium enterprises, are represented, while also working to integrate modern technologies and practices into the power-loom industry.

Legal Framework:

PDEXCIL operates within the legal framework of India’s Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), Textile Policy, and other relevant regulations formulated by the Ministry of Textiles and Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The council ensures that its activities are in compliance with both national and international standards for textile manufacturing and trade. It also works in conjunction with other regulatory bodies such as the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to ensure product quality and consistency.

PDEXCIL is also aligned with India’s policies related to Make in India and Skill India, which aim to enhance domestic production and improve the quality and competitiveness of Indian products in global markets.

Functions:

PDEXCIL carries out several critical functions aimed at fostering the growth of the power-loom sector:

1. Promotion of Exports: PDEXCIL works to increase the export of power-loom fabrics to international markets by organizing trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer-seller meets, and other promotional events.
2. Market Development: The council helps Indian exporters access new markets and expand their reach in established international markets by identifying export opportunities and forming trade relationships.
3. Industry Representation: PDEXCIL represents the power-loom sector to the government, industry bodies, and other stakeholders, advocating for policies, incentives, and subsidies that can support the growth of the industry.
4. Training and Skill Development: The council organizes workshops, seminars, and training programs for power-loom manufacturers to enhance their skills, improve product quality, and learn about new technologies and market trends.
5. Technology Upgradation: PDEXCIL works towards modernizing the power-loom industry by encouraging the adoption of new technology to increase productivity, quality, and sustainability in power-loom fabric manufacturing.
6. Quality Control and Certification: Ensuring that power-loom products meet international standards, PDEXCIL provides guidance on quality certifications, product testing, and compliance with regulations like ISO and other industry-specific standards.
7. Business Networking: The council facilitates networking between power-loom manufacturers and global buyers, helping to create business linkages and partnerships that drive export growth.

Schemes:

PDEXCIL runs various schemes to support the power-loom sector, particularly for enhancing export performance:

1. Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme: This scheme provides financial support to exporters for participating in international trade fairs and exhibitions. It helps increase visibility and business opportunities for power-loom exporters.
2. Focus Market Scheme (FMS): This scheme aims to promote exports to new and emerging markets, offering financial assistance to power-loom exporters for exploring such markets and building a presence in them.
3. Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS): The scheme aims to facilitate the modernization and technology upgradation of the power-loom sector. It provides financial support to power-loom manufacturers for adopting new machinery, equipment, and technologies to enhance productivity and product quality.
4. Duty Drawback Scheme: Power-loom exporters can benefit from the Duty Drawback Scheme, which provides refunds on customs duties paid on imported materials used in manufacturing export products.
5. Interest Equalization Scheme: This scheme offers reduced interest rates on export credit to power-loom exporters, making it more affordable for them to finance their export activities.
6. Product-linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: The PLI Scheme encourages manufacturers to increase their output and export of certain textile products, including those made from power-loom fabric, by providing incentives tied to production and export volumes.

Products:

PDEXCIL promotes a wide range of power-loom woven products, including:

1. Cotton Fabrics: A variety of cotton fabrics woven on power looms, including plain weaves, twill, satin, and other specialized finishes.
2. Silk Fabrics: Fabrics woven with silk yarn, including products such as sarees, dress materials, and decorative textiles.
3. Woolen Fabrics: Power-loom woven wool fabrics used for clothing and home furnishings.
4. Polyester and Blended Fabrics: Fabrics made from synthetic fibers such as polyester, or blends of polyester with cotton, wool, or other fibers.
5. Georgette, Chiffon, and Satin Fabrics: Delicate fabrics used for high-end fashion and luxury garments.
6. Home Textiles: Products such as bed linen, tablecloths, curtains, and upholstery fabrics woven on power looms.
7. Technical Textiles: Fabrics used for non-apparel applications, such as industrial textiles, automotive textiles, medical textiles, and agricultural textiles.
8. Fashion Fabrics: A wide range of fabrics woven for the fashion and apparel industry, including ethnic wear, formal wear, and casual clothing.

Services:

PDEXCIL offers several services to support the power-loom export industry:

1. Export Documentation Assistance: The council helps exporters with the preparation of required documents for international trade, including certificates of origin, commercial invoices, bills of lading, and export declarations.
2. Buyer-Seller Meets and Trade Fairs: PDEXCIL organizes events and meets that bring together Indian power-loom exporters and international buyers to foster business relationships and promote Indian textile products.
3. Quality Certification Guidance: PDEXCIL assists exporters in meeting international quality standards by providing guidance on certification processes and product testing.
4. Market Intelligence: Providing exporters with insights into market trends, consumer preferences, competitor analysis, and export regulations to enhance their competitiveness in global markets.
5. Skill Development Programs: Offering training sessions on advanced weaving techniques, production processes, quality control, and export-related practices to improve the overall efficiency and output of power-loom manufacturers.
6. Financial Scheme Guidance: PDEXCIL helps power-loom manufacturers access various government financial schemes, including subsidies, credits, and grants to boost their export operations.

Membership:

To become a member of PDEXCIL, companies must meet specific criteria:

1. Eligibility: Membership is open to power-loom manufacturers, fabric exporters, traders, and other stakeholders involved in the power-loom fabric industry.
2. Required Documents: Applicants must submit necessary documents such as a valid export license, GST registration, and proof of business operations related to power-loom production or export.
3. Benefits for Members: Members receive access to services such as market promotion, participation in international trade fairs, training programs, and financial schemes. They also benefit from policy advocacy, networking opportunities, and expert guidance on export procedures.
4. Fees: Membership fees vary depending on the category and size of the company.

Website Link: https://www.pdexcil.org/

Conclusion:

The Power-Loom Development and Export Promotion Council (PDEXCIL) plays a crucial role in promoting India’s power-loom fabric industry by helping manufacturers and exporters access new markets, improve product quality, and participate in global trade. Through its various initiatives, including export promotion, technology upgradation, and financial schemes, PDEXCIL supports the growth of the power-loom sector, making it an important contributor to India’s textile export industry. By representing the interests of the power-loom sector and facilitating access to government schemes and international trade opportunities, PDEXCIL continues to strengthen India’s position in the global textile market.