Ludhiana: The Punjab sewing machine industry has expressed shock and disappointment over its complete omission from the state’s new Punjab Industrial and Business Development Policy, 2026. Industry leaders described this as a glaring blunder that ignores one of Punjab’s oldest and most significant manufacturing sectors.Representatives pointed out that the sewing machine industry has not been mentioned in the policy despite its substantial contribution to employment generation, manufacturing output, and exports. Gurmukh Singh Rupal, general secretary of the United Sewing Machine and Parts Manufacturers Association, said the sector has long been considered a cornerstone of Ludhiana’s industry, alongside the bicycle sector.“It is extremely shocking that an industry which has contributed immensely to Punjab’s industrial development has not found any place in the new Industrial Policy. We were expecting measures to support and strengthen the sector, but instead the industry has been completely left out. The govt has not even mentioned the sewing machine industry among the various sectors identified in the policy,” Rupal said.Industry members noted that around 300 units operate in Ludhiana and adjoining areas, providing employment to nearly 25,000 workers. Ludhiana remains India’s principal hub for sewing machine production, manufacturing approximately 4.2 lakh machines every month. The omission has sparked concerns about the future prospects of the sector.The industry produces a wide range of domestic and industrial sewing machines, overlock and bag-closing machines, as well as components and spare parts. Manufacturers have long sought support for technology upgrades, skill development, research and development, and export promotion.Dalbir Singh Dhiman, chairman of the United Sewing Machine and Parts Manufacturers Association, termed the omission a setback, stressing that the sector—among the oldest in Ludhiana—rose to prominence after Partition and has played a vital role in shaping the city’s industrial identity.Industrialists further warned that lack of support from both the Centre and the state has already led to an influx of imported machines from China and other countries. “It is strange that there is absolutely no mention of the sewing machine industry in the Industrial Policy. An industry that has contributed significantly to Punjab’s industrial growth, exports and employment generation cannot be ignored,” said Jagbir Singh Sokhi, chairman of the Sewing Machine Industry Association.Industry leaders emphasized that Punjab’s industrial identity has historically been built around sectors such as bicycles, sewing machines, hosiery, and engineering goods. They urged the government to rectify the omission and include the sewing machine industry among the thrust sectors eligible for policy support and incentives.Box: Importance of the Sewing Machine Industry in LudhianaHistoric industrial base: Ludhiana has long been recognized as India’s leading hub for sewing machine manufacturing and trading, producing a large share of the country’s sewing machines and components.Major source of employment: The sector supports thousands of jobs through manufacturing units, component suppliers, assemblers, traders, transporters, and repair services. Earlier industry estimates cited around 4,000 sewing machine and parts manufacturing units (registered and unregistered) along with about 500 traders in the citySupports the textile and garment eco-system: Sewing machine manufacturing is closely linked with Ludhiana’s hosiery, knitwear, and textile industries. A strong local machinery base helps garment manufacturers access equipment and spare parts more easily, strengthening the broader industrial eco-systemContribution to MSME growth: The industry consists largely of small and medium enterprises (SMEs/MSMEs), making it an important pillar of Ludhiana’s industrial economy alongside bicycles, auto parts, and hosieryExport and revenue potential: Industry leaders have argued that technological upgrading could enable Ludhiana capture a larger share of the high-end sewing machine market, reducing imports and generating significant additional revenue and export earningsDevelopment of ancillary industries: The sector sustains a network of component manufacturers, foundries, machining units, metalworking shops, and service providers, creating strong industrial linkages within the citySkill creation and technical expertise: Sewing machine manufacturing has helped develop specialized skills in fitting, assembly, machining, and tool-making. Recent concerns over shortages of skilled workers highlight how important the sector remains for technical employment in the region.
