The 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of The South India Spinners Association (SISPA) was held on Tuesday at Hotel O by Tamara, Coimbatore.

The meeting was presided over by Arun Karthik, President, SISPA, who welcomed the distinguished guests and members and delivered the Presidential Address.

Jagadeesh Chandran, Honorary Secretary, SISPA, presented the Annual Report for 2025–2026 and highlighted the major initiatives undertaken by the Association during the year, along with key issues and representations concerning the spinning industry.

The General Body discussed various challenges facing the spinning sector and adopted several important resolutions.

Permanent Removal of Import Duty on Cotton

The General Body expressed its sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Government of Tamil Nadu for facilitating an exemption from the 11% import duty on cotton until October 31, 2026. SISPA urged the State Government to continue its efforts with the Central Government for the permanent removal of import duty on cotton, in the larger interest of the textile and spinning industry.

Maintain a Stable Power Tariff Policy for the Next Three Years

SISPA placed on record its appreciation to the Government of Tamil Nadu for not increasing electricity tariffs in 2026, thereby providing much-needed stability and relief to industries. The Association urged the Government to maintain a stable power tariff policy for the next three years and take suitable measures to reduce the Maximum Demand Charges applicable to both LT and HT consumers.

Ensure Regular Supply of Quality Cotton to Spinning Mills in Tamil Nadu

The Association urged the Government of Tamil Nadu to promote cotton cultivation by providing improved and quality seeds to farmers, increasing productivity and ensuring a regular supply of quality cotton to spinning mills in the State. SISPA also sought transparent cotton auction centres and improved marketing facilities to enable mills to procure cotton at fair and competitive prices.

Introduce a Special Incentive Scheme

To improve productivity, modernise machinery, promote automation and enhance energy efficiency, SISPA urged the Government of Tamil Nadu to introduce a special incentive scheme. The Association particularly requested consideration of a 25% capital subsidy for investments made by spinning mills towards machinery modernisation and energy-saving measures.

Essential Commodities for Migrant Workers

Considering the welfare of migrant workers employed in spinning mills in Tamil Nadu, SISPA requested suitable mechanisms to enable eligible workers to access essential commodities such as rice, wheat, pulses and cooking oil. The Association also sought arrangements to facilitate access to Fair Price Shops and other Government welfare schemes in the areas where the workers are employed.

Need for Greater Support for Technology and Research

SISPA urged the Central Government to formulate a stable and industry-friendly policy to ensure adequate and uninterrupted availability of man-made fibres at reasonable and competitive prices. The Association also sought greater support for technology, research and product development to promote value-added yarns and textiles and enhance the global competitiveness of the Indian textile industry.

Establishment of CCI Warehouses in Tamil Nadu

Reiterating one of its longstanding demands, SISPA urged the Ministry of Textiles and the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) to establish CCI warehouses and storage facilities at major cotton consumption centres in Tamil Nadu. This would facilitate easier procurement of cotton by spinning mills, particularly MSME mills, while reducing transportation costs and ensuring a more efficient supply chain.

Extension of CCI Cotton Lifting Period to 90 Days

The General Body requested the CCI to extend the existing 30-day lifting period to 90 days for cotton purchased by spinning mills. The extension would help mills, particularly small and medium-sized units, better manage practical challenges related to cotton procurement, transportation and storage.

SISPA felicitates Minister Sampath

As part of SISPA’s 35th year celebrations, a special felicitation programme was organised following the AGM.

Durai Palanisamy, President, SIMA, and Managing Director, Pallava Group, Erode, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Sampath Kumar, Minister for Backward Classes Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, and Coimbatore District In-charge Minister, participated as the Guest of Honour.

On behalf of SISPA, the Minister was warmly felicitated and congratulated on assuming charge as Minister and as the Coimbatore District In-charge Minister. SISPA conveyed its best wishes and expressed confidence that, under his leadership, the concerns and developmental needs of the industrial sector in the region would receive due consideration.

“Visionaries of SISPA Award”

In the presence of the Minister, SISPA’s former Presidents, Chinnian and Kuppusamy, were honoured with the “Visionaries of SISPA Award” in recognition of their valuable contributions and leadership towards the growth and development of the Association.

During the programme, SISPA also submitted a memorandum to the Minister highlighting various important issues and policy requirements concerning the spinning industry. The Association expressed hope that the representations would receive his kind consideration and appropriate support.

A large number of SISPA members, office-bearers and past office-bearers participated in the AGM and felicitation programme and contributed to its success.

Pradeep, Vice President, SISPA, proposed the vote of thanks.