On Thursday, the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia confirmed that a dire need of help was required by the apparel industry and that he would suggest some sort of stimulus package in order to protect jobs and interest of those who are linked with the industry.

The slowdown and recession in export markets has adversely affected the industry and even has put negative impact on millions of jobs and investments.

"The problems and concerns were genuine and assured the industry that the Planning Commission would certainly recommend some sort of relief," said Mr. Ahluwalia, while coming out of the meeting with the industry representatives, which have thought of initiating a Rs. 1,600-crore package to rescue the apparel units from the current crisis.

An increase in the duty drawback has been demanded by the industry from 8.8 per cent to 12.8 per cent that would impose an additional expenditure of Rs 1,600 crore.

An initiative taken on the part of Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh had made the meeting possible. During the meeting, Ramesh also laid stress upon the condition of the industry that employs nearly six million people mostly in the South India. He even highlighted the impact of the economies on whole towns and cities that are depended on this manufacturing sector for livelihood.

"Millions of jobs were at risk and the Government had to act to save the industry from complete collapse,"said Apparel Export Promotion Council Chairman Rakesh Vaid.

He concluded that they are even mulling over to have a meeting with Minister of External Affairs Pranab Mukherjee, who is also functioning as the Finance Minister now.