Mr. M. Anand, Joint Secretary, TEA, highlighted the major transformation taking place in the global textile and apparel sector, noting that buyers today focus not only on price, quality and delivery but also on worker welfare, safe workplaces and ethical business practices. He stated that Tiruppur continues to lead in Zero Liquid Discharge, sustainability, energy conservation and circular economy initiatives, and expressed confidence that “Inache Connect” would help create socially responsible and future-ready organisations.
Mr. N. Thirukkumaran, General Secretary, TEA, stated that Tiruppur has always been a pioneer in adopting new technologies and systems. He said “Inache Connect” would serve as an effective bridge between workers and management and requested that the platform be implemented in a cost-effective manner considering that nearly 90% of Tiruppur units are MSMEs. He also noted that several companies have already started using the platform to improve worker welfare, ethical standards and workplace environments.
Mr. K.M. Subramanian, President, TEA, appreciated Shahi Exports for its leadership in technological innovation, organisational excellence and digitalisation. He highlighted that Shahi Exports contributes nearly 30% of the export trade comparable to Tiruppur and stated that “Inache Connect” would strengthen worker-management relations through effective traceability and monitoring systems. He further emphasized that with DPP and traceability requirements becoming important in the European market by 2030, the platform would help strengthen compliance standards and customer confidence.
Padmashri Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, AEPC and Honorary Chairman, TEA, stated that worker engagement and labour welfare practices are already well established in the Tiruppur textile industry, with many entrepreneurs maintaining close relationships with workers and their families. Referring to the Ramayana analogy of the squirrel helping build the bridge, he said “Inache Connect” would act as a connecting bridge between workers and management. He further stated that Tiruppur industry is well prepared for DPP, HRDD and global compliance requirements and appreciated the initiative for supporting apparel export growth.
Mr. Anand Ahuja, Head of ESG, Shahi Exports and CEO, Good Business Lab (GBL), thanked TEA for organising the event and emphasized that investment in worker welfare significantly improves productivity and business growth.
Ms. Kavitha Dinesh, Executive Director, Victus Dyeings, and Mr. R. Sabari Girish, Sustainability Head, Sulochana Mills, shared their experiences in implementing the “Inache Connect” platform and explained how it has supported worker engagement, communication and welfare initiatives within their organisations.
