The Powerloom sector which once made Bhiwandi in Maharashtra, a renowned global hub for textile manufacturing is facing severe challenges. Ahead of the union budget, powerloom owners attribute the decline of their industry to an adverse business environment and some government policies.They say, the powerlooms once numbering lakhs are being gradually dismantled with many units sold as scrap.

Many associated with the industry attribute the poor state of the sector to a combination of demonetisation, GST and the introduction of technologically advanced auto-looms.Many workers who depend on powerlooms for their livelihood say, as conditions continue to deteriorate, they are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet.

Powerloom owners have urged the government to announce measures in the upcoming union budget to arrest the decline in the sector.Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the union budget on February 1.