SIGA Urges SEZ For Small Textile Units In Karnataka
The South India Garments Association (SIGA) has urged the Karnataka government to establish a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) dedicated exclusively to small and medium textile enterprises (SMEs) in the state, citing the lack of infrastructure support despite the sector’s significant contribution to employment and state revenue.
Speaking on Saturday, Anurag Singhla, President of SIGA, said that while the state has set up textile parks for large-scale companies, no such facility exists for smaller firms, which make up a large share of the garment ecosystem. “These small and medium units are vital to the economy, yet they lack dedicated infrastructure to thrive,” he said.
Singhla emphasized that many small and medium textile businesses are currently operating below capacity, largely due to declining consumer demand. “Earlier, an average person would purchase 10 garments a year. Today, that has dropped to just two, primarily due to reduced purchasing power,” he noted, urging the state to introduce flexible and supportive policies to revive the sector.
He also highlighted SIGA’s ongoing role in bridging the gap between the industry and government. “For nearly 30 years, SIGA has served as a crucial link, working to address industry challenges, educate stakeholders on government schemes, policy updates, GST regulations, and labour laws,” Singhla added.
In an effort to boost industry morale and visibility, SIGA is set to organize its 30th SIGA Fair, a three-day business-to-business (B2B) garment exhibition starting from today July 29, 2025, at Princess Shrine, Palace Grounds, Bengaluru. “The fair will feature over 100 brands, and we expect participation from nearly 2,000 retailers, not only from Karnataka but also from neighbouring states,” he announced.
Rajesh Chawat, Secretary of SIGA, said that prominent textile firms from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Surat will also participate in the event. “We are confident the fair will generate between Rs 100 crore and Rs 150 crore in business,” he said, highlighting the potential of such platforms to support SMEs and stimulate trade.
