PM Modi in Varanasi; says global e-commerce market awaits textile sector

NEW DELHI: Pitching for modernisation during his first visit to Varanasi after the Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said, "Textile sector gives employment to poorest of the poor. All sections of the society are integrated in this sector."

"After agriculture, if there is a sector that is generating maximum employment, it is textiles," Modi said. Pitching for technological upgradation of the sector Modi said, "A huge global e-commerce market awaits our textile sector." "It is up to us to harness this opportunity and take Indian textile sector to a global scale," Modi exhorted.

"Your design, your work, your service - this is a great legacy we have in Varanasi. A big market is waiting for Banarasi sarees." "We need research towards technology up gradation. We have begun work in this direction. HRD is also important," he urged.

Praising the weaver community, Modi said, "Just like the way the weavers weave clothes, this sector weaves together all the sections of the society." "The people of Varanasi have made me their own. I am here with my people," Modi added.

PM Modi addressed the weaver community during the foundation stone laying ceremony of a Weavers Trade Facilitation Centre and a crafts museum aimed at uplifting the lot of weavers and craftsmen.

The weavers' centre would work as a centre for design and production of handlooms. It will also function as a platform for small weavers to directly sell their produce to big buyers, eliminating middlemen and increasing their profit.

Interestingly, majority of the weavers hail from the Muslim community, making intricate Banarasi zari sarees. Many OBCs are also involved in the ancient art of weaving.

Meanwhile, luck has already smiled on the Jayapur village that will be formally adopted by the PM under the 'Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana'. Modi will also interact with villagers and may make a short public speech. Modi is on a two-day visit to his Lok Sabha constituency.

(With inputs from ET Bureau)