Recycle Textile Federation (RTF) held its Annual General Meeting on 25 September 2025. Jayabal was re-elected as President of the Federation

The event was attended by industry leaders, including Thulasidharan, President, Indian Cotton Federation; Rajkumar, Chairman, Standing Committee on Cotton, CITI; Sundararaman, Former Chairman, SIMA; Krishnakumar, Deputy Chairman; Selvaraju, General Secretary; and Balakrishnan, Managing Director, ELGiTex, who participated as Chief Guests.

Jagadeesh Chandran, Honorary Secretary, SISPA, was also present as a special guest.

On the occasion, RTF presented awards to notable industry contributors. The Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred upon Annush Ramasamy of Sri Kumaraguru Mill.

The Excellence Award for Multi-Color Yarn Production was presented to Marimuthu of Tirumalai Textiles, while the Excellence Award for Optical White Yarn Production went to Vijayasrinivasan of Sai Krishna Cotton Mills.

Manohar of Kaviharan Spin Tex received the Excellence Award for Grey Yarn Production. The Grey Fabric Entrepreneur Award was given to Shanmugam of Gemini Textiles, and the Sustainability Successor Award was presented to Kalaiselvan Palaniappan, Managing Director of Meenatchi Fibres.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the event, Jayabal addressed the State Government, noting that Tamil Nadu imposes higher electricity-related charges than other states.

He urged the State to announce a new industrial policy, stating that other states are actively courting businesses with attractive subsidies and incentives. “We strongly appeal to the State Government to launch a new policy soon,” he added.

He highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the textile sector, particularly in light of increased tariffs imposed by the United States.

“This 50% tariff levied on Indian exports by the US Government is a huge burden. We are currently managing, but we cannot sustain this situation for long,” he said.

He urged the Union Government to withdraw the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regulations on viscose fibre and yarn, citing that Indian manufacturers currently pay Rs.14–20 per kilo more for viscose and polyester compared to international players.

“When such cost disparities exist, how can we compete globally and attract orders from international markets?” he asked.

Jayabal also called for urgent financial relief measures, including lower interest rates on loans and a 24-month repayment window. “We are aware that the government is preparing a support package for the textile sector, but it needs to be introduced without delay. Every minute counts.”

On raw material costs, he pointed out that cotton prices in India are about 15% higher than in international markets, with each candy costing Rs.3,000 to Rs.5,000 more. “Although the import tax reduction on cotton has been extended until December, not all manufacturers can afford to buy imported cotton,” he said.