`BJP can work it out’

SURAT, April 27: While acknowledging that were some inherent differences in the coalition government at the Centre, Union Textiles Minister ...

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SURAT, April 27: While acknowledging that were some inherent differences in the coalition government at the Centre, Union Textiles Minister and Surat MP Kashiram Rana expressed confidence today that the Bharatiya Janata Party, as the largest party in the coalition, would iron them out and last a full term.Addressing reporters in his residence, Rana said, “There has been no effect of the internal wranglings of the coalition on the pursuit of the national agenda and government performance”.

The Union textiles minister said the technological upgradation of the textile industry — in which the city plays a significant role — would require Rs 25,000 crore. “The 1985 textile policy needs to be changed and an expert committee will soon be formed to re-examine it”, he said.

On the problems plaguing the national textile industry, Rana said the policy of some European countries, coupled with a recession in the market, had put the industry into an awkward position. “While most machinery is outdated and obsolete, some countries have recently imposed anti-dumping duty on unfinished cloth”, he said.

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Rana said that Rs 3000 crore of the technology upgradation fund would be provided by the government as interest subsidy. The government had initiated talks with organisations like the Industrial Development Bank of India for the necessary funds, which then would be lent to mills and powerloom owners for upgradation of infrastructure, he added.

When asked what Surat’s share of the fund would be, the minister said, “Till now no one has approached me for it. Let us see what happens. Since the city produces 70 per cent of readymade textiles, it is bound to benefit considerably”.

Rana said he had also taken up the cause of an airport, better rail and post facilities and other city issues at the Central level. When asked specifically if the government would intervene in the harassment charges of industrial unit owners against Excise department officials, Rana said he had been apprised of the cases of harassment and physical assault recently. “I will take it up seriously”, he said.

When some journalists brought up the need for a Press Club in the city, Rana said while he would provide all the necessary assistance as minister, the association itself would have to broach on the subject with the State government.

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When the minister’s attention was drawn to the alleged negligence of duty and the overall pathetic conditions at the New Civil hospital, MLA Dhiru Gajera, who was present at the meeting, said that he had apprised State Health Minister Ashok Bhatt of the situation and steps would soon be taken to improve the hospital.

He refused to elaborate on the steps likely to be taken in this regard.