The Textiles Committee Act, 1963
Administered Ministry: Ministry of Textiles
Act details
| Short title | The Textiles Committee Act, 1963 |
|---|---|
| Long title | An Act to provide for the establishment of a Committee for ensuring the quality of textiles and textile machinery and for matters connected therewith. |
| Act number | 41 of 1963 |
| Act year | 1963 |
| Enactment date | 3 Dec 1963 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Textiles |
| Jurisdiction | Central (Parliament of India) |
| Sections | 31 |
| Status | Not repealed |
| Last checked on India Code | 4 Nov 2026 |
| Source | India Code, Government of India |
Summary
Summary of the Textiles Committee Act, 1963
Objectives of the Act
• To establish the Textiles Committee as a statutory body.
• To ensure the quality and standardization of textiles and textile machinery.
• To promote the development and competitiveness of the textile industry.
• To protect consumer interests and enhance the reputation of Indian textile products in domestic and international markets.
Key Provisions
• Establishment of the Textiles Committee: The Act provides for the constitution, composition, powers, and functions of the Textiles Committee under the Central Government.
• Quality Control and Testing: The Committee is empowered to inspect, test, and evaluate textiles and textile machinery to ensure compliance with prescribed quality standards.
• Standards and Certification: The Committee may recommend standards, conduct quality assurance programmes, and issue certifications where required.
• Research and Development: The Committee undertakes research, surveys, training, and technical assistance to improve manufacturing practices, product quality, and efficiency in the textile sector.
• Levy of Cess: The Act authorizes the levy and collection of a cess on textiles and textile machinery to finance the Committee's activities.
• Rule-making Power: The Central Government may make rules for carrying out the provisions of the Act, while the Committee may make regulations with the prior approval of the Central Government.
Legislative history
Legislative History:
The Textiles Committee Act, 1963
● Act Title - The Textiles Committee Act, 1963
● Act Number / Year - 41 of 1963
● Act ID (India Code) - 196341
● Presidential Assent Date - December 3, 1963
● Enforcement Date - August 24, 1964
● Nodal Ministry - Ministry of Textiles
Precedent & Historical Rationale
● Institutionalization of Quality Control for Textiles - Enacted to establish a dedicated statutory body, the Textiles Committee, replacing the Cotton Textiles Fund Committee set up under the Cotton Textiles Fund Ordinance, 1944.
● Standardization and Market Expansion - Formulated to ensure the quality of textiles (both for internal marketing and export) and textile machinery, establish testing laboratories, and mandate pre-shipment inspection to enhance international competitiveness.
Parliamentary Trajectory & Enactment
● Formulation - Introduced by the Central Government to broaden the statutory scope of quality inspection beyond cotton to cover all textile fibers, blends, and manufacturing machinery.
● Parliamentary Passage - Debated and passed by both Houses of Parliament (Third Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) during the November 1963 winter session.
● Presidential Assent - Received Presidential Assent on December 3, 1963.
● Enforcement - Enforced on August 24, 1964.
Source - Official Record of Parliament, India Code, and Ministry of Textiles.