Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maran, while disclosing his agenda for 100 days in office, has chalked out plans to reframe the National Fibre Policy, setting up two integrated textile parks in the country besides covering 150,000 weavers under the health insurance scheme. The ministry will also restart seven textile mills in a line with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's directives to show tangible results during 100 days in office.

Mr. Maran said, "The implementation of 100 days action plan will empower various institutions in the ministry and the industry to embrace modern technology."

The ministry will also participate at International Fashion Fair in Japan in July 2009 and other mega shows of textile industry. The Department has already reserved 50 stalls at the site to show Indian exported items.

Government will encourage domestic exporters to find more opportunities in the potential markets of third world due to slump in traditional export markets of U.S. and Europe.

Mr. Maran said, "The textile sector is the second largest employer after agriculture and accounts for 13.5 percent of the total merchandise export earning and four percent of the GDP."

Mr. Maran, while declining stimulus package to recession hit apparel industry, said that the condition of industry has been improving and fabric production has increased 6.7 per cent in April 2009. Employment generation has also increased 0.96 per cent during January-March 2009 period, setting hopes for further improvement in the job market.