The textile mill, JCT, in Phagwara is all set to resume its operations soon, which will boost the economic activity and provide a new employment opportunity in the city, PTI quoted officials as saying. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann made the statement on Wednesday, emphasising its significance in the industrial development of the Doaba area.
The textile unit had been closed since 2024 after the filing of a case of insolvency in October of last year in the state of Punjab, which was a major pillar in the state's manufacturing economy. The reopening is being viewed as a major boost to return of industrial confidence and boost the state's production base.
A Historic Industrial Unit for the Arts has been restored.
During a formal event, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that he was hopeful for the revival of the mill. He announced that its famous JCT Mills will soon be back in business, thus reviving its past industrial importance and adding to the development of the Doaba region.
The good news is that the renowned JCT Mills is soon to be back in business, I believe and I am confident that everybody in Punjab is happy and that includes people of Phagwara too.” Once the mill is up and running again, there will be a great revival of the industrial development of the Doaba as the pristine glory of this mill will be restored,” Mann said.
JCT textile mill was a once-popular name in the textile manufacturing industry in India that has been an integral part of livelihood and the economy of the area. As a result of its closure many employees of the factory were left without jobs and industries associated with the factory were impacted on its supply chain.
Concentrate on the employment and textile jobs
It is one of the largest impacts that will be felt when the mill reopens: new jobs. The revival is expected to create textile jobs in Punjab and its adjoining states directly or indirectly, which will be beneficial for both skilled and unskilled workers.
The Chief Minister pointed out that the operations would create new employment opportunities for young people in Punjab, especially the industrial hub of Doaba where there are very few job opportunities available in last few years.
Industry specialists feel the textile industry has a good future of employment particularly job opportunities in spinning, weaving, dyeing and garment manufacturing. Opening up a big unit such as JCT may also stimulate other businesses that are closely related to the reopening, such as transport companies, packaging companies and suppliers of raw materials.
Clearance of Pending Dues for Workers
The state government has also made arrangements for the revival to be fair. A Punjabi businessman is now the owner of the mill and, before the government allows the place to function, it has assured him that all outstanding salaries and worker dues are due and payable, Mann said.
He said that all outstanding dues to be paid to workers should be cleared before the production resumes. The decision will help to safeguard the rights of workers and provide a fair compensation to those workers who were affected by the shutdown.
Records of employees and pending payments are also being reviewed to ensure transparency in the process, with a government review taking place.
Provide assistance to farmers and other economic measures.Assist farmers and other economic measures.
Besides the industrial revival, the Punjab government has also been keen to address farmers' pending issues. Chief Minister Mann said that the pending dues to the sugarcane farmers would be disbursed and punitive action would be taken against those who were behind in payments.
He additionally remarked that the characteristics of people who have opted to leave the nation following the failure to pay dues have been attached and the belongings will be auctioned off to recuperate the cash. Farmers will be given priority in receiving payments from these recoveries.
The state government has a record of all farmers and all outstanding payments. I will not let anyone cheat them and the interests of every section of society will be safeguarded,” Mann said.
This two-pronged effort of developing industry and agriculture is part of the government's overall economic recovery plan.
The political remarks and social messages are the same.
The Chief Minister raised political issues during his speech and cautioned against polarising politics. He said that some political parties try to divide the communities for political gains.
He called for awareness and rejection of politics like that, focusing on unity and development as the main tenet of governance.
Mann said that Punjab has already had tough moments in its past which had an impact on its development and it needs to shift its attention from division to peace, progress and industrial revival.
Cultural and Social Initiatives
The Chief Minister also talked about upcoming cultural and religious activities in the State apart from economic announcement. He also informed that the celebration of the 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji is going to be celebrated throughout the year, and he also mentioned the celebration of the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
These events would spread the message of equality, unity and social harmony, he added. He said that Guru Ravidass Ji's teachings place importance on an environment free of discrimination in society and that is what the Government has been striving to achieve in its vision of inclusive development.
Impact on Punjab’s Industrial Landscape
The return of JCT textile mill is likely to create an ecosystem effect in the economy of the province. The textile industry has been a major contributor to the state's economy in the past and if a large unit is revived, then there will be increased investment in the manufacturing industry.
With policy support, Punjab can once again become a good textile hub in northern India, experts have said. The resurgence could also draw in new investors who want to leverage the area's workforce and industrial facilities.
The government's emphasis on ensuring dues clearance, protection of workers and the transfer of ownership transparently is beginning to create investor confidence.
Conclusion
JCT's announcement of the revival of its textile mill is a major achievement for the recovery of the industrial sector in Punjab. The action is also likely to bring back some confidence among workers and boost the state's manufacturing sector as well as its economic worth.
The establishment of new textile industries, settlement of pending dues, and the revival of industrial activity is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and thousands of households relying on the textile industry.
This is an important step towards reviving the industrial potential of Punjab, and its success will be closely monitored as a model for future industrial revivals in the state.
News Source: https://money.rediff.com/news/market/punjab-textile-mill-to-resume-operations-in-phagwara/46573320260506
