NEWS BRIEFS
to about 115.31 lakh running bales of 160 kgs. each.
12) Thus, total stock held by spinning mills and stockists
on 31st March 2020 is estimated at 142.53 lakh bales
of 170 kgs. each which is equal to about 151.44 lakh
running bales of 160 kgs. each.
13) Closing stock as on 30th September 2020 is esti-
mated by the Committee at 38.50 lakh bales of 170
kgs. each which is equivalent to 40.90 lakh running
bales of 160 kgs. each.
14) Due to lockdown, meeting of the CAI Crop Commit-
tee has taken place on WhatsApp and more than 20
Members participated.
15) Due to lockdown, cotton consumption by Indian Mills,
cotton exports from India and cotton Imports into
India as well as carry forward stock will get changed
in the cotton balance sheet for 2019-20. The CAI
Crop Committee will review the same at its next
meeting.
Joint Press Brief on Supply of Body
Coveralls (Personal Protective
Equipment)
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, & Ministry of Tex-
tiles
N-95 Masks, and 2-ply/3-ply Surgical Masks for
healthcare professionals to combat COVID-19 cases.
It is unfortunate that certain sections of the media are
spreading misinformation on the efforts of the Govern-
ment in augmenting the supplies of Body Coveralls, N-95
Masks, and 2-ply/3-ply Surgical Masks required for
healthcare professionals dealing COVID-19 cases. Since
Body Coveralls (PPE) is a specialized protective suit meant
for high level of protection to the health professionals, it
has stringent technical requirements as prescribed by
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Over the last 45 days, Ministry of Health & Family Wel-
fare and Ministry of Textiles are attempting to locate ad-
equate number of sources who can produce and supply
the requirement of Body Coveralls for the government.
During the last week of January 2020, the technical stan-
dard for the Coveralls was prescribed as per WHO class-
3 exposure pressure in accordance with ISO 16003 or its
equivalent. Such materials are manufactured by a few
international companies, who expressed their inability to
supply on account of a complete glut in stocks and ban of
exports by the source countries.Balance Sheet of 6 months i.e.
from 1.10.2019 to 31.03.2020 for the season 2019-20
Only a limited quantity was offered and procured by the
procurement organization of the Ministry of Health & Family
Welfare. Starting from 30th January, wide outreach has
been attempted through various meetings and interactions
with the Chambers of Commerce various Textiles Asso-
NCM-APRIL 2020
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