Fadnavis Calls for Solar Push in Maharashtra’s Textile Sector to Address Power Woes

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called for the integration of solar energy into the state’s textile sector to tackle persistent power supply issues faced by textile mills. In a recent review meeting with the textiles department, Fadnavis directed the formation of a joint committee comprising officials from the textiles and energy departments to explore the use of renewable energy within the sector.

Fadnavis stressed the importance of modernising cooperative spinning mills and tapping into solar power as a long-term solution. 

“The textile sector is highly dependent on electricity. By adopting rooftop solar panels and installing solar farms on mill premises, units can significantly reduce their reliance on conventional power sources,” he said.

Textile production processes — spinning, dyeing, and finishing — are energy-intensive and often suffer disruptions due to erratic power supply. The use of solar energy is expected to bring stability and cost savings for spinning mills, which form the backbone of Maharashtra’s textile industry.

The review meeting was attended by Textiles Minister Sanjay Savkare, Legislative Council member Amrish Patel, and senior officials from relevant departments.

Uniform Financial Support, Policy Revisions on the Agenda

The Chief Minister also instructed the concerned departments to establish uniform guidelines for financial support to new cooperative spinning mills under the Social Justice, Tribal Development, and OBC Welfare departments. “Each department should make additional financial provisions for the spinning mills under their jurisdiction,” he directed.

Fadnavis called for amendments to the Integrated and Sustainable Textile Policy 2023–28 to include provisions for debt recovery from cooperative spinning mills and power loom institutions. He also emphasised the urgent need to register all power looms operating across the state.

Infrastructure and Administrative Reforms Proposed

During the meeting, the Chief Minister also reviewed proposals to streamline administrative operations in the textile sector. This includes the creation of a Maharashtra State Textiles Development Corporation and the merger of the Textiles Commissionerate with the Silk Directorate.

He approved the revision of the cooperative spinning mill project costs from INR 80.9 crore to INR 118 crore, highlighting the need for realistic cost estimates in today’s market conditions. Fadnavis further supported the permanent acquisition of Red Cross Society land in Satara for use by the silk department.

Efforts to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Maharashtra State Khadi Village Industries Board for renovation work on a building used by the Silk Directorate in Pune were also discussed. The Chief Minister directed that the required permissions and upgrades be completed without delay.