Hetauda textile industry hopes to get a new lease of life

Kathmandu. The Hetauda textile industry, which was once the identity of Nepal’s industrial development and domestic production, has a historical identity. When many Nepalis hear the name of the industry, the image of ‘quality clothes produced in the country’ is still fresh in the minds of many Nepalis.

If the Hetauda Textile Industry, which has met the demand of the market by producing clothes in the country, continues to operate, then it can be assumed that Nepal would not have to be highly dependent on foreign cloth as it is today.

However, this situation is not limited to the textile sector. In recent years, Nepal has become increasingly dependent on imports for products ranging from daily consumables to industrial goods. Domestic industries have been weakened by the closure of domestic industries, lack of expansion of production capacity, investment and policy challenges, rising cost of production and competition with foreign goods.

The Hetauda garment industry is now plunged into darkness due to unstable politics. Not only have thousands of people lost their jobs, but there is a concern that history will be lost.

Netra Subedi, Joint Secretary and Spokesperson at the Ministry of Industry, said that preparations are underway to resume the closed Hetauda garment industry.

According to him, the Ministry has already conducted a preliminary study while the Nepal Army has also conducted a separate technical study. On this basis, the Ministry of Finance has allocated Rs 33 lakh for the Directorate of Military Equipment Production to make necessary preparations for sanitation, inspection and production.

“The ministry conducted a small study. The Nepal Army also conducted a study. They have demanded a budget for the immediate cleaning and other preparations. The Ministry of Finance has allocated Rs 33 lakh. They are doing everything from exploration and cleaning to getting it in condition. ’

According to him, works are being carried out to clean the production site and test the equipment and make them operational through the Directorate of Military Materials Production under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies. He said that preparations are being made to start test production using the existing machines.

He said that since the machines currently in use are old, additional equipment may be needed to improve the speed, length, width and quality of production. He, however, said that a decision in this regard would be taken only after the second phase of technical study.

Subedi said that the issue of Butwal Thread Factory is also in the study phase. The study being conducted by the Ministry of Finance will analyze the assets and liabilities of the industries and recommend which model to operate. After that, a meeting chaired by the Finance Minister will take the necessary decision, he said. He said that the second phase study for the operation of the industry is yet to be done.

“We are also studying the Butwal yarn industry,” he said. There may be recommendations on how to analyze assets and liabilities or which model to run. The meeting to be chaired by the Finance Minister will also take some decisions. ’

Likewise, a preliminary study of the Cotton Development Committee based in Bardiya has also been completed. Since the issue of expanding cotton production on a large scale falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Agriculture, further initiatives are expected to be taken in this regard.

According to Subedi, in the first phase, the machine will be used to produce clothes as per the required standards for the army, police and other public bodies. He said that further expansion, purchase of new equipment and long-term operation model would be decided only after the completion of the test production.

He said, “Efforts are being made from the existing machine to make clothes for the people working in public posts – the army police.” After the test production is over, I will say a lot more. ’

The task force had submitted a report on the operation of Hetauda Garment Industry to Industry Minister Gauri Kumari Yadav on July 14. The task force has submitted a report to the minister with a blueprint to produce tests immediately and operate it in full capacity with more strategic plans.

Although the task force formed under the coordination of Ram Bandhu Subedi, chief of the Administration and Corporation Division of the Ministry of Industry, had submitted its report, the Nepal Army had already started the repair of the machine as per the budget allocated by the Ministry of Finance. The report presents the steps taken for the resumption of industries, the progress made so far and the future course of action.

According to the Ministry, as per the directive of the government, the Nepal Army has been given a deadline to start test production from the factory within the next two months.

For this, the Ministry of Finance has already released a budget of Rs 33 lakh to the Directorate of Military Equipment Production of the Nepal Army.

The Hetauda Textile Industry was established in 2032 BS with the financial support of the Chinese government and investment of the Nepal government.

It was formally started in 2035 BS. After 19 years of its establishment, due to political instability, interference and lack of management, This business was completely closed from 2057 BS. Since then, several attempts have been made to revive the garment industry, but to no avail.

This time, the textile industry is coming into operation at the initiative of the incumbent government. The Armed Police Force, Nepal Army and Nepal Police have been carrying out cleaning and maintenance of machinery in the industrial premises.

The government has set a target to produce uniforms and school uniforms required for government employees in the first phase after the industry comes into operation.