NIFT Bill 2005 moved in Rajya Sabha

New Delhi, May 16 (UNI) Textiles minister Shankersinh Vaghela today moved the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Bill 2005 in the Rajya Sabha that seeks to promote education in research in fashion technology.

Participating in the discussion, Mr Ajay Maroo of the BJP said the NIFT, which was set up in 1986, should be granted more autonomy.

In every state, the institute should have a centre so that more students in non-metro cities can gain education in this area.

India exports textiles worth Rs 60,000 crore in a year, said Mr Maroo, adding the sector can create 1.2 crore new job oppotunities.

Mr Santosh Bagrodia of the Congress said several NIFT student have made a mark in international fashion. But the institute should not have any representation from parliament on its governing board.

At the same time, bureaucratic control must be eliminated so that the NIFT has more autonomy. Mr Bagrodia said textiles comprise 20 per cent of the country's total exports but India's share in world market is less than one per cent.

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