IMPORTANT EVENTS 

NITRA Hosts 51^st Joint Technological Conference

Role of Technical Textiles Emphasized

The Joint Technological Conference (JTC) is an annual feature of India’s premier textiles research associations ATIRA, BTRA, SITRA and NITRA. The 51^st edition of this event was hosted by NITRA at PHD House, New Delhi on Saturday, 10^th April 2010.  This year the papers for presentation were divided into two sessions.  In order to showcase the activities carried out by the four Centers of Excellence (CoE) at the TRAs, the first technical session was devoted to Technical Textiles, whilst the other session featured papers on Conventional Textiles.

Sh. Shishir Jaipuria, noted industrialist and Chairman NITRA Council of Administration inaugurated the conference.  Also present on occasion were industrialists Sh. K. K. Aggarwal, Chairman, NITRA Research Advisory Committee, Sh. R. L. Nolkha, Dy Chairman, NITRA, Dr. R. C. Jain, Immediate Past Chairman, NITRA and Directors of TRAs Dr. A. K. Sharma (ATIRA), Dr. A. N. Desai (BTRA), Dr. Arindum Basu (SITRA) and Dr. J. V. Rao (NITRA).  During the daylong conference, nine technical papers were presented in front of 175 delegates from textiles and clothing industry, academia and textile technology students.  

The 2010 edition of SITRA Norms for Spinning Mills, a very useful and popular TRA publication, was released during the occasion.  An exhibition was also organized to commemorate the 51^st JTC. A number of reputed companies, viz-a-viz the four TRAs, participated in the exhibition for product showcasing and technology orientation.

Secretary, Textiles Graces 8^th Convocation at NITRA

The 8^th Convocation of NITRA for the academic year 2008-09 was held on Saturday, the 14^th November 2009 at NITRA, Ghaziabad. Smt. Rita Menon, I.A.S., Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Dr. J. N. Singh, I.A.S., Jt. Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India and Sh. Praveen Nayyar, Vice-Chairman, Apparel Export Promotion Council were the Guests in Chief. 225 students from 12 programs were awarded certificates and medals in this year’s convocation.

Sh. Shishir Jaipuria, Chairman, NITRA, in his welcome address informed that the impact of recent global meltdown is severely felt in the Indian textile & apparel industry and the industry, as a result, is passing through a challenging time.  However, the things started looking up in the last couple of months. Both the domestic investments and FDI is coming back in the sector as big Indian companies are expanding and more overseas companies are making way to the Indian market. The industry is also expected to generate 40 lac direct jobs by the end of 2012.  He further opined that NITRA, being in close proximity to India’s garment and apparel hub consisting of Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Jaipur, Ludhiana and Panipat, is the most ideal institute for youngsters to undergo training and start a career in textiles and garment industry.  The companies, on the other hand, should also look to NITRA for recruiting fresh blood.

Director NITRA Dr. J,V.Rao mentioned that today NITRA has set benchmarking standard in professional training and offers 12 industry oriented techno-management programs on regular, part-time and distance learning modes.  The areas covered in various programs are textile/garment manufacturing, textile/garment designing, merchandising, quality assurance, garment finishing and sewing machine operation & maintenance.  A highly specialized program ‘Garment Ironer’ will be introduced later this year.  In addition to above, add on programs on environment technology and computer operations are also offered. Dr. Rao also informed that B-Tech level programs on textile technology, textile chemistry and fashion technology will be introduced from the year 2011-12.

While mentioning about 100% placement for 2008-09, he informed that more than ninety renowned apparel and textiles exports companies have recruited NITRA alumnus in the past five years.  Vis-à-vis the regular students, the DLP students also excelled in their career after updating their knowledge from NITRA. The Director also spoke about industry giant Ramson’s tie-up with NITRA in some of the programs.  To conclude, the Director informed about NITRA’s specially designed training programs for overseas countries in Asia and Africa.  He also spoke about the “Centre of Excellence” set up at NITRA in collaboration with IIT, Delhi for carrying out R&D and training in protective textiles. 

Dr. J. N. Singh, I.A.S., Jt. Secretary, MoT, GoI in his address also mentioned about the global recession and its impact on industry.  However, he informed that the situation is improving fast as the turnover for T&C industry in the second quarter of the fiscal 2008-09 has registered significant growth.  The T&C industry is expected to reach a turnover of US$ 115 by 2015, out of which the export’s share will be about US$ 50.  While calling TRAs the torch bearer of textile research, he assured that the govt. support to TRAs for conducting research will be well taken care of.

Mr. Praveen Nayyar, Vice Chairman, AEPC while praising NITRA’s infrastructure facilities for training students, stressed on continuous interaction with the students placed as well as with the industry.  He opined that only the students-industry-NITRA interface can help NITRA for bringing in necessary changes in order to modify   and update its course curriculum so as to suit the changing industry needs.

Smt. Rita Menon, I.A.S., Secretary, MoT, GoI in her convocation address said that the future of Indian textile industry in general is very bright following the fast recovery from demand recession.  She informed that investment to the tune of Rs. 1,50,000 is expected in this sector during the 11^th plan period with substantial contribution from FDI. According to her, technical textiles has emerged as the most potential sector today and thereby Centers of Excellence are opened in TRAs like NITRA as they are the most competent organizations to conduct R&D in technical textiles.  She also informed that a Technology Mission on Technical Textiles will be formed soon to further augment this sector.  While talking about training of manpower, the Secretary appreciated NITRA’s timely initiative in this direction.  To conclude, she too advised NITRA to intensively interact and collect feedback from the industry and the students already placed, to asses the actual training needs in the industry and offer training programs accordingly.

Sh. R. L. Nolkha, Dy. Chairman NITRA proposed the formal vote of thanks. Also present in the occasion were Dr. R. C. Jain, Immediate Past Chairman, NITRA and Sh. Sunder Belani, Director, Ramsons

Minister of State, Textiles Graces NITRA Convocation 2007-08

NITRA Convocation 2007-08 was held on Saturday, 27th September 2008 at NITRA, Ghaziabad. Sh. E.V.K.S.elangovan, Minister of State, Textiles, Govt. of India had illuminated the occasion as the chief guest.  265 students from 12 programs were awarded medals and certificates in this year’s convocation.

Dr. R. C. Jain, Chairman, NITRA, in his welcome address informed that NITRA’s rise as a centre for job oriented techno-management programs related to textiles and garment industry has been phenomenal. So far, about 1200 boys and girls, hailing from semi-urban and rural areas as well as from the metropolis were trained and are undergoing training at NITRA. He opined that, NITRA by way of providing skilled manpower to the industry also meets the Govt. of India’s policy objective to create more job opportunities for women, backward classes and youngsters.

Director NITRA Dr. J,V.Rao, while presenting his report mentioned that today NITRA has set benchmarking standard in job oriented professional training and offers 15 industry oriented techno-management programs on regular, part-time and distance learning modes in textile/garment manufacturing, textile/garment designing, merchandising, quality assurance, garment finishing, sewing machine operation & maintenance, industrial environment technology and industrial energy conservation. A few more areas like fashion technology and retail management are also in the pipeline.

NITRA’s regular programs are, continued Dr. Rao, on one hand providing career opportunities to youngsters especially the girls, and on the other hand, meeting the growing demand for skilled manpower in the textile/garment/allied industry. NITRA’s customized DLP programs provide ample opportunities for working executives to upgrade their skills. While talking about industry participation in NITRA’s activities, he emphasized on NITRA-Ramsons collaborative training program that launched in 200-06.  He mentioned that the industry has fully recognized the programs offered by NITRA and about 85% of the students passed out are well placed in the industry.  The Director also informed about the recently launched DOEACC “O” level computer program that NITRA offers in association with DOEACC Society under Ministry of Communication & IT and approved by AICTE.  He also mentioned about the training of Ethiopian engineers at NITRA.  Dr. Rao also touched upon the formation of proposed “Centre of Excellence” at NITRA for carrying out R&D and training in the area of protective textiles.  The centre will be operational very soon and will run in collaboration with IIT, Delhi.

Before awarding certificate and administering ‘oath of honor’ to the students, Sh. E.V.K.S.elangovan, Minister of State, Textiles in his convocation address said that the Indian textile & apparel sector has the potential to reach a size of US$ 110 billion by 2012. In addition to export upsurge, the projected rise in domestic consumption will also fuel this growth.  However, to achieve this potential, today the key area that requires immediate attention is manpower training and management of human resources.    In fact, 94% of the manpower engaged in apparel sector is trained on the job and only 6% posses any formal institutional training.  He mentioned that the Govt. of India has taken several steps including setting up of NIFTs, NIFD and ATDCs all over the country to boost up manpower training for textile and apparel industry.  He also opined that Govt. initiatives should be supplemented by reputed institutes like NITRA.   To conclude, the minister reputedly appreciated NITRA’s infrastructure set-up and faculty expertise for developing trained and skilled workforce for shop-floor and supervisory level of the apparel and textile industry.  He also expressed happiness over the initiatives taken by NITRA in this direction.

After the award ceremony for regular & DLP students, Mr. Mehereteab Mulugeta Haile, Minister Counselor, Ethiopian Embassy, India awarded certificates to 21 Ethiopian engineers. In this context, it may be recalled that NITRA bagged a prestigious assignment from Govt. of Ethiopia, in 2004 to establish a Textile & Apparel Institute (TAI) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The implementation of the project is now in progress and will be completed by the end of 2009. As a part of the said project, 12 textile engineers from TAI had come to NITRA for undergoing special training in various areas of textiles and apparel manufacturing. Rest of the trainees represented Alameda Textiles, a leading group in Ethiopia. 

Sh. Shishir Jaipuria, Deputy Chairman, NITRA emphasized on sufficient funding by the Govt. for carrying out research and training to actually benefit the industry.  He referred the Prime Minister’s National Council for Skill Development Project for creating 500 million skilled workers by 2022. He opined that NITRA, being an institution offering technical training to both professionals and youngsters since its inception, could be one of the operative arms for Govt. of India to accomplish this project.  Sh. Jaipuria also proposed the formal vote of thanks to conclude the ceremony.

Also present in the occasion were Sh. R. L. Nolkha, Vice Chairman, NITRA.  Sh. Partha Basu, Public Relations Officer & Faculty, NITRA conducted the program.

Two More Patents to NITRA

The Patent Office, Govt. of India has recently awarded two new patents to NITRA, the premier textile research & development organization in the country.  The first of the back to back patents is for the invention A process for the preparation of yarn/fabric (textile material) having ultraviolet radiation/protection and flame resistant properties.  The patent number is 216779.  The second patent is granted for the instrument A compact indigo dyeing device for dyeing a thread flock.   The patent number is 222432. These patents are awarded for the R&D work of Dr. M.S.Parmer, Head of Research & Product Development & his team.

 These patented technologies are due for commercial exploitation. Expression of interest is sought from suitable partners, preferably a machine manufacturer for the second patent.

                                                                                                      A brief about the patents awarded

 A process for the preparation of yarn/fabric (textile material) having ultraviolet radiation/protection and flame resistant properties.

This invention relates to a process for the preparation of yarn/fabric (textile material) having ultraviolet radiation/protection and flame resistant properties.  The yarn/fabric (textile material) is useful for the manufacturing caps, upholstery, garments, umbrella, gown and other apparels to protect the users from ultraviolet radiation and fire.  The textile material can also be used for manufacturing tents, mattresses, pillows etc.

                                                                                        A compact indigo dyeing device for dyeing a thread flock

The invention relates to an indigo dying machine for dying the thread used for preparing denim cloth.  This machine is cost effective and requires less space.  Decentralized sector can use this machine for producing denim machine.

NITRA Scientist Bags Prestigious AICTE Award

for

Outstanding Technical Publication!!

NITRA, the premier textile research & development organization in the country, in addition to need based research, technical consultancy, quality evaluations and manpower training activities, also engaged in producing useful technical publications. It is a matter of great pleasure that one of NITRA’s latest publications Vastro Ki Rangai, Chapai Evam Finishing (in Hindi), authored by Dr. M. S. Parmar, Astt. Director, NITRA has been recognized by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), as a significant contribution to technical education.  AICTE has also selected its author as the recipient of the award under Technical Education Book Prize Scheme 2006-07.  On 4th of September 2008, Professor R. A. Yadav, Chairman, AICTE, handed over the award to Dr. M. S. Parmar in a colorful ceremony held at NBCC Plaza, New Delhi, in front of an audience packed with scientists, academicians and industry professionals. The book, released in 2006 and already sold over 500 copies, garnered rave review in reputed trade publications.   It had also become highly appreciated by textile industry professionals in India and a large number of professionals are already benefited by this. To book your copy right now, contact:

NITRA Obtains DOEACC Approval

 Starts “O” Level Computer Training Program at Gzb. Centre

Today NITRA is a household name in providing job oriented techno-management manpower training programs for textile & apparel industry, pollution control and energy management.   Apart from successfully conducting those programs, NITRA, over the years have invested substantial amount to develop its ultra modern computer labarotarories. Today NITRA has about 120 desktop and laptop systems in addition to various modern software systems.  A pool of highly qualified and experienced IT experts is also associated with NITRA as faculty.   

Keeping this in view, DOEACC Society, an autonomous scientific society of Dept. of Information Technology, Ministry of Communications & Information Technology, Govt. of India, has approved NITRA to start “O” level computer program at NITRA, Ghaziabad. one of the reasons to start this program is primarily to serve the local community of Ghaziabad that largely consists of middle income or lower-middle income groups. Training for the first batch of 20 students started on 3rd October 2008.    This program will enable students to acquire basic computer skills and also make them eligible to obtain higher education and seek employment opportunities in IT sector.  To make this program more attractive and convenience  for the student community, NITRA is offering this program in the evening.

Research Advisory Committee & Expert Panel Meet at NITRA

 The 12^th Research Advisory Committee cum Expert Panel Meet was held on June 6, 2008 at NITRA, Ghaziabad. A large no of research scholars, textile scientists, renowned academicians and noted industrialists were present in the meet. This is an annual event at NITRA organized with a view to assess the progress of NITRA’s on-going R & D projects and to make necessary modifications on those, if required.  The forum also decides NITRA’s future R & D projects. In all, 12 projects ranging in spinning, weaving, chemical processing, finishing, technical textiles, defect analysis and energy conservation in textile industry have been presented and discussed at length.

Dr. J. V. Rao, Director, NITRA, while presenting his report apprised the audience about various R & D projects conducted in the last one-year.  He informed that NITRA’s basic objective is to take up only those projects which have commercial viability.  In this context, he mentioned about nine projects which are earmarked for R&D during 2008-10. Dr. Rao also spoke about other significant achievements of NITRA during the reported period.

Dr. R. C. Jain, eminent industrialist, owner of TT Group of Industries and Chairman, NITRA, in his keynote address opined that, today textile industry is in a critical phase.  Advanced countries like USA and Japan have virtually phased out the textile industry and as a result, today the onus is on India and China to carry forward textile research. While seeking suggestions from the industry representatives, he mentioned that some potential areas such as problems of dead cotton, high moisture content in cotton balles, ginning difficulties, dye variation and problem of shrinkage in knitwear could be major areas of research. In addition to technology research, opined Dr. Jain, projects on cost analysis, market research, benchmarking standards for industry, inter-firm comparisons, profitability, pollution control, energy efficiency and social compliance should also be taken up by NITRA.

 After the technical presentation session, the house was open for discussion. The experts from various areas of textile and garment industry elaborately discussed upon their observations. The brainstorming resulted in fruitful suggestions and necessary modifications on key technical aspects of the projects presented. Guidelines for future course of action in research & development is also framed up. 

 Sh. D.K.Bhattacharya, Dy. Director, NITRA proposed the vote of thanks to formally conclude the meeting.

Convocation 2007

NITRA Convocation 2006-07 was held on Friday, 28^th September 2007 at NITRA, Ghaziabad. Sh. J. N. Singh, IAS, Textile Commissioner, MoT, GoI had illuminated the occasion as the chief guest.  215 students from eleven programs were awarded medals and certificates in this year’s convocation. Also present in the occasion were Sh. R.C.Jain, Chairman, NITRA, Director  Dr. J,V.Rao, Sh. Shishir Jaipuria,  Sh. R. K. Jain,  & Sh. R. L. Nolkha.

31^st Annual General Meeting Held

   NITRA’s 31^st AGM was held on 28^th September 2007 at NITRA, Gzb. In his welcome address, Dr. R.C Jain is nominated as the chairman NITRA, Sh.. Shishir Jaipuria  as Vice Chairman & Sh. R. L. Nolkha. as Vice Chairman.   for the financial year 2007-08.

Inauguration of Garment Wing and Convocation 2006

 The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the newly constructed NITRA Garment Wing and Convocation 2006 for NITRA students were held at NITRA on Thursday, 3^rd Aug. 2006. Sh. Shankarsinh Vaghela,Union Minister of Textiles, GOI., Sh. E.V.K.S. Elangovan  Minister of State for Textiles, GOI and Sh. D.P Singh IAS,   Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, had illuminated the occasion.

30^th Annual General Meeting Held

   NITRA’s 30^th AGM was held on 3^rd Aug.. 2006 at NITRA, Gzb. In his welcome address, Dr. J.V.Rao, Director NITRA informed that during the financial year 2004-05, NITRA’s performance had been outstanding both in terms of research output and revenue generation.

Recognizing the usefulness of the programs conducted by NITRA, RAMSONS, an industry major in garment finishing machine manufacturing, has joined hands with NITRA to share its technical expertise with NITRA students by offering an exclusive and first of its kind program on Garment Dyeing, Drycleaning & Finishing Technology. This program will augment industry-oriented education supported by the industry to the aspiring professionals.

NABL (National accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories)

National accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), New Delhi has recently conducted the final assessment of NITRA testing laboratories for ISO: 17025.  The team consisted of Mrs. Shobhna Sharma, Accreditation Officer, NABL, Dr.M.V.S.Rao, Lead Assesor and two Technical Assessors Mr.Suresh Kumar and Mrs.Nivedita S.  has recommended for NITRA’s accreditation.

Award for this outstanding achievement

Development of combined sizing and sectional warping machine for fine counts/single yarn to produce high priced cotton fabrics in decentralized powerloom cluster, presented by NITRA, is adjudged as the best paper in spinning section in the recently concluded 46^th Joint Technological Conference at ATIRA, Ahmedabad.

NITRA team of scientists, comprising of Dr.J.V.Rao, Sh.R.P.Sharma, Dr.M.S.Parmer and Sh. V.Satyanarayana are awarded with Shri Kanaiyalal Motilal Award for this outstanding achievement.

Sensitization Program For VRS Optees Under CRR Scheme

A program was organized on 6^th Nov 04 at NITRA for VRS optees from different PSUs. Sh. G.C.Bothayal, Director, Dept. Of Public Enterprises, Ministry of Heavy Industries inaugurated the program.   A presentation was made by NITRA’s faculty experts so as to help the VRS optees for setting up their own enterprise.

Training Program For VRS Optees Under CRR Scheme