Smriti Irani can spin a success story in textile ministry | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Smriti Irani can spin a success story in textile ministry

Hindustan Times | ByHT Correspondent, New Delhi
Jul 07, 2016 08:21 AM IST

BJP leader Smriti Irani takes charge as textile ministry at Udyog Bhawan in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to shift Smriti Irani from human resource development to the textiles ministry was widely perceived as a demotion, given that the education sector is more high-profile.

BJP leader Smriti Irani takes charge as textile minister at Udyog Bhawan in New Delhi on Wednesday.(Arun Sharma/HT Photo)
BJP leader Smriti Irani takes charge as textile minister at Udyog Bhawan in New Delhi on Wednesday.(Arun Sharma/HT Photo)

But the firebrand Irani may yet be able to find her way back to the spotlight. Her first opportunity will be on the political stage, as a campaigner in the assembly elections early next year.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“I think as a woman with star value she would definitely have a positive impact if she campaigns here in UP in state elections,” said Vinay Katiyar, a BJP veteran from UP.

One possible hindrance here is her frosty relations with the BJP president, and architect-in-chief of the party’s political campaigns, Amit Shah.

Still, if she is able to draw big crowds, and help the BJP score victories in the state elections, especially in UP, that would go a long way to reviving her political fortunes.

Read | ‘Kuchh toh log kahenge’: Smriti Irani on reports of her role in UP elections

In the longer term, the textiles ministry might give her an opportunity to prove her administrative mettle, away from the media glare.

Though the portfolio has traditionally gone to relatively low-profile figures -- her predecessor was a minister of state with independent charge -- the NDA government has given a renewed thrust to the textiles sector. The recent announcement of a special package of Rs 6,000 crore is expected to generate one crore jobs, especially for women.

There is a huge opportunity awaiting her and she appeared to be conscious of it on Wednesday.

Read | Glad I was part of formulating education policy, says Smriti Irani

After taking charge of the new portfolio, the minister said, “I am happy that I have been given an opportunity especially when a special package has been announced for the sector. This signifies that my party and especially the Prime Minister has faith that I have the capacity to implement the roadmap that was projected through the Cabinet for the rest of the country”.

She also added that she is hopeful that the much-awaited new national textile policy “will soon see the light of day”.

The textiles ministry may be less glamorous compared to the HRD ministry, but it is no less significant.

$100 billion is the size, by revenue, that the textile and apparel industry in India is projected to reach by 2016-17, from $67 billion in 2013-14. Forty-five million people are employed directly in the textile industry, making it the largest employer after agriculture. The new textile policy aims to create 35 million additional jobs.

Read | 9 numbers that say Smriti Irani’s move to textiles is not a demotion

If the high-profile minister keeps her head down to work, she might have many concrete results to show in terms of achievements as a minister.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On