Economics Special: NIMZ (National Investment and Manufacturing Zones)

NIMZ (National Investment and Manufacturing Zones) is a concept envisaged under the National Manufacturing Policy, 2011.

• NIMZs will be developed as integrated industrial townships with state-of-the art infrastructure and land use on the basis of zoning; clean and energy efficient technology; necessary social infrastructure; skill development facilities, etc., to provide a productive environment to persons transitioning from the primary sector to the secondary and tertiary sectors.

• These NIMZs would be managed by SPVs (Special Purpose Vehicles) which would ensure master planning of the Zone; pre-clearances for setting up the industrial units to be located within the zone and undertake such other functions as specified in the various sections of this policy.

• To enable the NIMZ to function as a self governing and autonomous body, it will be declared by the State Government as an Industrial Township under Article 243 Q(1)(c) of the Constitution.

In sum, the NIMZs would be large areas of developed land, with the requisite eco-system for promoting world class manufacturing activity.

Economics Special: Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS).

1. TUFS was introduced by the Union Government in 1999 to facilitate new technology for making the Indian textile industry globally competitive and to reduce the capital cost for the textile industry.
2. The scheme was amended during the 12th Five year Plan into Revised Restructured Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (RR-TUFS).

Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS).

In 2015, CCEA approved ATUFS, which replaces RR-TUFS for technology upgradation of the textiles industry.

The amended scheme would give a boost to “Make in India” in the textiles sector; it is expected to attract investment to the tune of one lakh crore rupees, and create over 30 lakh jobs.

Office of Textile Commissioner (TXC) is being reorganised; its offices shall be set up in each state.

Economics Special: The Office of the Textile Commissioner.

• It was established in 1943 during the Second World War period for arranging the supply of cloth to the defence forces as well as civilian population.

• After the end of World War II, the Textile Commissioner was given the regulatory function of administering the prices, distribution and control of certain varieties of cloth meant for civilian consumption in the post-war conditions of scarcity.

• Now it formulates and implements various schemes of the Government of India in an industry friendly manner.

• It has 8 regional offices and 14 power loom service centers located in major textile clusters.