Ministry of Textiles has already taken a lead in promoting the applications of IT by developing Information Systems/Databases, releasing Websites on INTERNET and establishing Computer based network among the Offices. Moreover, to highlight the potential of IT applications for enhancing the global competitiveness in Textile Sector, the Ministry has taken a bold initiative to declare 1999 as an IT Year for Textiles Sector. Efforts are being made to achieve transparency in day to day functioning of the office by maintaining vibrant web sites and facilitating the decision making process by utilizing analytical tools and databases on computer. National Informatics Centre (NIC) has been providing full-fledged technical support in developing and maintaining the IT infrastructure.
 

Establishing Computer Communication Network among Organisations

The Ministry has taken initiative to set up a computer communication network for all its offices, including field level offices. This will facilitate the flow of information from field level offices to the HQ and vice versa. The information will be centrally organised at the HQ by uploading the information from the source and disseminated to field level offices by downloading through Internet based network. The Ministry, along with HQ of attached and subordinate offices, are already on the network. At present, out of 33 organisations under the Ministry, 26 organisations have E-mail facility and 18 organisations have set up their own web site. To ensure transparency in day-to-day functioning of the office, the contents of Web sites include notices, bulletins, publications, events, policies, forms and applications for the public along with the introduction of the organisation and its major activities. An Action Plan for establishing computer connectivity with remaining organisations like textile research association, export promotion councils, service centres etc. has been formulated and will be taken up for implementation in a phased manner.
 

Task Force on IT for Textile Sector:

A Task Force on IT was set up to study the status of IT applications in textile sector and to recommend inter alia the scope of enhanced IT induction in order to achieve cost effectiveness, improvement in quality of production, delivery system and services. The Task Force has submitted its detailed recommendations for induction of IT in various forms of applications related with the sector. On basis of these recommendations, a comprehensive action plan has been formulated and taken-up for implementation by all the concerned organisations in a phased manner.
 

Seminar-cum-Exhibition (TEXINFOTECH-99)

As per recommendations of IT Task Force, the Ministry had planned to organise five regional seminar-cum-exhibition (TEXINFOTECH) in different parts of the country and one international conference in Delhi to promote IT awareness in Textile Sector. Four regional conferences were organised at Delhi, Calcutta, Ahmedabad and Bangalore with the participation of Textile and IT industries. The Conference covered IT applications in Trade, Design and Manufacturing. Experienced speakers and participants shared their views on the scope of IT integration in different spheres of the textile sector. The exhibition organised in this context offered live presentation of IT services and products related to textile sector. An overwhelming response of participants from R&D institutions, software developers and hardware manufacturers made these events successful. An International Conference is also scheduled to be organised on 25th & 26th of April 2000, in Delhi.
 
 

Visual  :  TEXINFOTECH-99

Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme and I.T.

In order to encourage textile units to incorporate I.T. based tools and solutions in production, design making, marketing and management, investments in the installation of these facilities have been made eligible for financing under the TUFS.
 

Computerisation and Information Infrastructure in the Ministry

Independent computer workstations are provided to all the officers of the level of Section Officer and above in the Ministry. These workstations are hooked on Local Area Network (LAN) along with NICNET for internet and email facilities. This facilitates the sharing of the information within the Ministry and also with other organisations on the electronic media. Various databases covering all the aspects of the industry like prices, production, consumption, trade etc. are available on the network for accessing at each functional node.

The infrastructure has been further upgraded by establishing a workstation at the residence of senior officers of the rank of Joint Secretary and above with the facilities of internet and e-mail. On similar lines, other organisations are also building up their information infrastructure.
 
 

Visual  :  Website of National Design Centre designed by NIFT

Economic Research & Market Intelligence Unit (ERMIU)

Today, in the rapid changing scenario of market integration, the industry needs more effective planning and strategy to face competition in domestic and international markets. Thus current information on production, designs and fashion and other related market and trade developments and its analysis are of immense significance to production planners and policy makers. In view of this, ERMIU has been set up at O/o Textiles Commissioner and the Ministry for collection and dissemination of information on above aspects for the benefit of trade and industry. A similar unit for the jute sector is in the process of implementation in the Office of Jute Commissioner, Calcutta and will start functioning very soon.
 

Y2K Compliance

The Ministry had set up a Departmental Action Group under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Textiles) and finalized the methodology along with an Action Plan to make the textile sector Y2K compliant. The methodology includes the assessment of inventory, testing of equipment, compliance plan and its implementation, along with validation and verification. The Group reviewed the progress of Y2K compliance of all the organisations on regular basis and provided necessary guidance in the matter. Organisations under the Ministry have achieved Y2K compliance. Industry associations and other representative bodies have also been advised to ensure Y2K compliance in their constituent units, especially in embedded systems and softwares.