Apparel Export Promotion Council to launch DISHA; To encourage members for better social practices

This programme will encourage members to follow better social practices, which will give them a competitive edge in the global market where social compliance is increasingly becoming an important buying decision. Sponsored by Ministry of Textiles, this initiative by AEPC attempts to educate apparel exporting members on a code of ethics that covers all critical social and environmental concerns like child labour, health and industrial safety, etc.

On this occasion, Smt Rita Menon, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Govt of India commented, "Some view the increasing requirement of social compliance of the western markets as Non Tariff Barriers. With value realization stagnant, increasing compliance requirements indeed pose a challenge for the manufacturers. However, I would urge the industry to view this challenge also as an opportunity. India is well placed to emerge as one of the most compliant sourcing destinations amongst the developing nations and this can be built upon as our biggest value proposition. It is imperative that the garment manufacturers understand the reputational risks associated with non compliance, as also the long term business merits of developing compliant workplaces."

Under the programme, root cause analysis and guidance will be given by a team of experts as part of the capacity building programme. A toolkit will be prepared based on the Common Compliance Code by which the enrolled units will undergo an orientation and training program. Remediation plans will be introduced and after monitoring the improvement, necessary certifications will be given. There will be international agencies that will be empanelled to audit the program.

AEPC has an ambitious target of enrolling a large number of garment factories for the initial orientation programme. The council will help the garment manufacturers comply with the global social standards and norms. "DISHA' will not only give the opportunity for the industry to negate international claims against child labour promotion in the garment industry, but will also help to improve the overall image of the industry on the global front and not the least, to win more international businesses," added Shri Premal Udani, Chairman, Apparel Export Promotion Council