" VISION OF FOUNDERS VS MISSION OF SUCCESSORS "

" VISION OF FOUNDERS VS MISSION OF SUCCESSORS"

V. M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN

The views expressed in the excellent editorial "Vision of Founders Vs Mission of Successors" (Omeiat Journal May 2009) are based on facts and thought provoking. Thanks and kudos to its writer and Omeiat Journal for it. It was discussed seriously in the circle of our friends. I hope that heads of institutions, members of the Managements and philanthropists would have read it with interest and pondered over the issues discussed therein.

Of course there was time till some years ago when the main aim of the institutions whether primary or higher secondary or college was to educate as many boys and girls as possible by extending all assistance to them. I still remember how the Islamiah College, Vaniyambadi, which is the first college established by the Muslim community in Tamil Nadu helped students in giving scholarships, fee concessions, free education etc. It was even then a very reputed college for arts and science courses as is now and students from different parts of North Arcot district and other places sought admission there. Its alumni are in many thousands who hold or have held high posts in different fields of activity. So was the case with other colleges like the New College, SIET College, Mazharul Uloom College etc.in giving assistance to the students when they were started.

Later on things changed. The editorial under reference deals with them in detail and portrays the present state of affairs. Everyone knows the present scenario prevailing in Muslim as well as non-Muslim institutions. One can read Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer's articles published in The Hindu and other leading dailies and periodicals to know the exact positions on this vital issue.

Once the late IAS officer Sulaiman saheb said in a meeting that in spite of a recommendation letter from a minister, his son could not get a seat in a college in Chennai and fortunately the door of the New College was open to him and he was admitted there. The founding fathers of our institutions were of the opinion that no Muslim boy or girl should be denied admission because of his or her inability to pay the fees. But the present situation seems to be altogether different.

Thanks to the rigid attitude of some Muslim institutions, Muslims have started changing their mindset and admitting their children in those non-Muslim institutions where not only fees are reasonable but educational standard is also good. It is a well known fact that Muslim students are coming out in flying colours mostly in non-Muslim institutions. It is a good sign for our secular and plural society. The records of the Tamil Nadu Muslim Graduates Association are a testimony to it.

It is heartening to know that two Muslim girl students having Tamil as First Language have secured 3rd rank in the Tamil Nadu State Higher Secondary Examinations - March 2009 and the Chief Minister Dr. Kalaigner M. Karunanidhi has awarded them. Their details are given below:

1) Jazima Sulaiha S : Register No.124604: Marks secured : Language 196, English 187, Physics 198, Chemistry 200, Biology 200, Mathematics 200 Total 1181 for 1200. Amali G Higher Secondary School, Irudayakulam, Cheranmahadevi.

2) Meera Rasiba M: Register No. 370779 : Marks secured : Language 194, English 191, Physics 199, Chemistry 198, Biology 200, Mathematics 199 Total 1181 for 1200. SRV G Higher Secondary School, Rasipuram, Namakkal

The Muslim community is proud of the above two students and all other top rank holders. The schools where they studied are also praise worthy. Thanks and congratulations to them. Our Managements, teachers, parents and students should get inspiration from their excellent performance and create an "educational atmosphere" to enable our students to prove their mettle.

There are many Muslim and non-Muslim institutions which collect capitation fees and charge exorbitant special and tuition fees in contravention of the rules and regulations. It is not possible for all students to get admission in them paying these fees. Muslim students are the worst sufferers everywhere because of their economic and educational backwardness. The Omeiat Institute Trust has rendered a great noble service in helping 344 college students by giving scholarships to the tune of Rs.68 lakhs. If our institutions charge reasonable fees, it will be highly beneficial to the Muslim community. There are quite a large number of self respecting Muslim families who are not for getting any charity from anybody or any association.

There is an urgent need for educational institutions to fix reasonable fees. Frankly speaking one always wonders who are helping whom - the institutions to the students or the students to the institutions! The world is mysterious and honest people stand nowhere!!

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"MANMOHANOMICS" WILL REVAMP THE ECONOMY AND GROWTH

“MANMOHANOMICS” WILL REVAMP THE ECONOMY AND GROWTH
V. M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN

The leather and leather products industry is happy that after peaceful conduct of the parliamentary election, a strong Congress-led UPA government has emerged at the Centre headed again by Dr. Manmohan Singh who is widely acknowledged as the architect of the economic reforms taking India to the world stage. He made it clear as soon as he assumed office for the second term that his government will revamp the global recession hit Indian economy with a stimulus package to boost the demand in the domestic market and also take necessary steps to push exports which declined by about 30% during the recent months.

The decline has not dampened the spirit of the people. They are on the march in the field of their activity and India is growing giving an impression to the world that it is a right place for trade and investment because of its well established units with understanding management, efficient staff and hard-working labour force. This is the reason why more and more overseas customers look to India for their requirements of leather, footwear, leather goods, garments etc.

It is hoped in the industrial circle that the future export and import policy will be industry- friendly, growth-oriented and based on the recommendations made by the Council for Leather Exports and other leading associations.

The unprecedented zoom in the share market by 2110 points in just a minute on the very first day of its opening after the recent parliamentary election results was really a spectacular happening never witnessed before in any share market anywhere in the world. It was a big salute of the people for the new government and a sort of self-confident proclamation that India is capable of facing any challenges and finding solutions to them.

NOIDA FAIR : ANOTHER MILESTONE IN THE LEATHER INDUSTRY

The APLF launched new leather and footwear sector fair – “ Footwear Materials, Manufacturing & Technology (FMM&T)” – in association with the Indian Footwear Components Manufacturers Association (IFCOMA) and held from 8 to 10 May 2009 at India Expo Centre in Greater Noida, New Delhi, India was highly successful though attendance of visitors was limited despite good transport arrangements. The organizers rightly claimed it as the right fair, in the right place and at the right time and performed the vital role in bringing together all parties concerned in one place to know the latest trends and developments of the industry for mutual advantages. It was supported by the Council for Leather Exports (CLE), Indian Shoe Federation (ISF) and Agra Footwear Manufacturers & Exports Chamber (AFMEC). International exhibitors from countries like China, Italy, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Brazil, Spain etc. participated in it and showcased their products such as leather, shoes, handbags, saddlery, leather goods etc. They felt that the potential of India as a market has always been most attractive to them. Leading South Indian units were conspicuous by their absence. Perhaps it will not be the case next year.

The Spanish Tanners Association sees India as strategic for the Spanish Tanners as it is an important emerging market that seeks quality, creativity and expertise and hopes that the commercial relationship between the two countries will increase well in the days to come.

The APLF is of the opinion that the Indian economy is growing steadily even in the present recession period because of various reasons such as the increasing domestic consumption of footwear within the country and good demand from abroad.

The organizers, no doubt, did well in highlighting the importance of the enormous footwear manufacturing sector in India through this fair. We are sure that it will attract more and more participants from India and abroad next year and grow well year by year to the extent of the Hong Kong fair. We wish them all the best in all their endeavours.

( V. M. Khaleelur Rahman in Indian Leather, June 2009)
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Leather Garment exports slide 20.73% --Financial Express dt April 24, 2000

Leather garment exports slide 20.73% as overseas buyers look to cheaper products
VM Khaleelur Rahman
Export of leather garments, which were to the tune of $302.96 million during the period April-Dec 1998, suffered a drastic setback as it declined by 20.73 per cent to $240.16 million during the same period in 1999, according to DGCI&S, Calcutta sources.

Reasons for this decline are lack of fashion for the types of garments being made here and lower prices paid by overseas customers in the highly competitive world market.
Production of leather garments is done both in small scale as well as large scale basis mostly through tie-ups with tanners - suppliers of leathers. There are hundreds of units spread across the country engaged in making leather garments either out of nappa or suede leathers - goat, sheep or cow - which are bought from manufacturers in places like Vaniyambadi, Ambur, Chennai etc.

Many North Indian garment manufacturers have been doing roaring export business with the marketing support of NRI friends and relatives. Such a business based on a sound footing is affected putting a large number of garment makers in financial problems. However, many well-established units still carry on their business though prices are lower and orders insufficient, with the hope that it will be paying in the long run. At present there is good demand for sheep nappa garments, polo types, at prices ranging from $40.00 to $55.00. There is little demand for suede garments. But there is very possibility of ``suede'' becoming fashion in the coming season.

In finished leathers, tanners are quoting higher prices for their upper and lining leathers due to increase in prices of raw materials, but there is resistance for this in the overseas market. Good quality linings in goat leathers are quoted at around $0.90 per sq.ft. CIF. In sheep suede leathers there business has been reported in all suedes/LDT/Rejection at around Japanese Yen 185/125/100 per sq.ft. CIF. But business are rare and not frequent.

In the local market, sheep nappa lots are sold at around Rs 41 per sq.ft. There is good demand for this item bought by garment manufacturers. This has made the raw skins prices go up further by about Rs 20 per piece at centres where quality is good.

E I Tanned goat skins Garment Suede/All Suede/Shoe Suede/Heel garip are sold at around Rs 30/27/23/18 per sq.ft respectively, whereas prices for A/B/C linings are sold at around Rs 18/16/14 per sq.ft. Rejection and Langda are easily salable at around Rs 135 and Rs 110 per kg. Prices of raw goat skins in places like Bangalore, Calcutta, Delhi and Punjab are at around Rs 65 and in Southern belt areas like Modachur, Miraj etc. at around Rs 90 per piece.Wetblue goat skins 3/5 size lots are sold at around Rs 35 to Rs 40 per sq.ft depending on the quality and selection. Wetblue cow hides prices are almost unchanged and shoe manufacturers continue their operations in Erode, Ambur etc. There is good demand for grades I/II at around Rs 58 per sq.ft. but availability is limited. Many big shoe units have their regular imports to cover their requirements of high grade wetblue cow hides from countries like Switzerland and Germany.
(The author is a Chennai-based leather industry analyst)

Leather Footwear components on a march --Financial Express dt 30th August 1999

Leather footwear components on a march
VM Khaleelur Rahman
Chennai, Aug 29: The footwear components sector is well-organised, with very sophisticated, modern and well-developed factories in places like Ambur, Vellore, Ranipet and Chennai among others in Tamil Nadu and other places in the country where good shoe components of international standards are produced as per buyers' requirements. The major importing countries are the UK, the USA, Italy and Germany.

Although exports of footwear components in 1998-99 (April/March) were to the tune of $243.74 million, mere 1.36 per cent higher than the previous year's exports of $240.48 million, there is every possibility of this sector increasing its exports during the current year. Many leading manufacturers who have already entered into big contracts for shoe uppers are engaged in executing them well in time.

According to the data compiled by the Director General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S), Calcutta, the southern region occupies the first place with a share of 73.59 per cent in the exports offootwear components with $179.3 million in 1998-99 as against $176.67 million in the previous year. The western region exports slightly came down from $14.78 million in 1997-98 to $14.46 million in 1998-99. The eastern region improved from $0.90 million in 1997-98 to $1.46 million in 1998-99 and the northern region suffered a loss of 17.20 per cent and fetched $39.76 million in 1998-99 as against the previous exports of $48.03 million. Others went up from $0.32 million in 1997-98 to $8.68 million in 1998-99.

In the local market, leather goods makers continue to buy tanned goat skins paper, kid, rejection and langda at around Rs 150, Rs 140, Rs 125 and Rs 90 per kg respectively. Goat Stouts Lot/Rej were sold at Rs 17 and Rs 11 per sq ft.

Leather garment manufacturers were slow in purchases of their regular requirements because of insufficient orders. However, small volume of business was reported in garment suede Rs 31.50, all suede Rs 298 and shoe suede at Rs 25.00 per sqft.

Tanned goat skins liningsA/B/C were sold at around Rs 18.50, Rs 16.50 and Rs 14.50 per sqft. The shoe manufacturers bought wetblue cowhides I/II at around Rs 56 per sqft. Others grades III/IV/V/VI/VII are offered at around Rs 45, Rs 34, Rs 28, Rs 19 and Rs 14 per sqft respectively. Exporters offered sheep cabretta ABC at $1.90 and TR at $1.40 per sqft C&F. Goa suede leather for garments was offered at $1.60 per sqft C&F, whereas goat lining leathers were offered at around $0.80 per sq.ft C&F.

(The author is a Chennai-based leather industry analyst)

Leather body (IFLMEA) wants business friendly poplicies to stay--- Financial Express dt 26th July 1999

Leather body wants business-friendly policies to stay
VM Khaleelur Rahman
Chennai, July 25: Indian Finished Leather Manufacturers and Exporters Association (IFLMEA), has sought the continuation of the existing leather export policy in response to a plea made by tanners for a free leather export regime.

IFLMEA members want the present policy of government, which is as per the recommendations of the Seetharamikah Committee, to continue in order to boost exports.
They point out that the appreciable jump in leather and leather product exports from a mere Rs 500 crore in 1980-81 to about Rs 6,500 crore in 1998-99 was possible because of this policy and the support of the government for the value added leather products. These measures should not be reveresed now, they say.

IFLMEA, in a memorandum addressed to the Minister for Commerce Ramakrishna Hegde said: Opening up of export of EI leather (semi-processed and considered as raw material) will only put all the investments (on plant and machinery of tanneries) at great risks and the efforts of the government in the last fewyears would be brought to naught.

The government must maintain a status quo in its present policy in the exports of finished leather, the memorandum said. However, East India tanners argue that ``eco-friendly and multi-purpose EI tanned leather, a speciality of Tamil Nadu from ancient time, is in no way inferior to some other types of leather allowed for export.''

They seek suitable amendment in the present ISI norms for identification of finished leather for its export at the present when there is a huge glut of leathers in the market. They are for a time-warranted export policy to save our national wealth from going waste and find an outlet in overseas markets.

Meanwhile T Ramaswamy, Director, Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai suggested in a communication that tanners should try to solve difference, if any, by discussing them threadbare and arriving at a consensus in a seminar without involving politiacs in the interest of the trade, industry and country. He has regretted his inability toinvolve the institute in any trade, export or import controversy as its main funcitons are for techincal advancement and modernisation of the leather industry. It remains to be seen how the industry reacts to this right suggestion.

There is good sale of local items of tanner goat skins like Paper, kid, Rejection and Langda at around Rs.150/140/115/85 per kg. But there is little demand for higher grades suede goat skins due to restricted export activities by garment manufacturers.

Wetblue sheep skins lot of Northern origins are saleable at around Rs 120 to Rs 130 per piece. Many leather exporters show interest for red-hair sheep skins for making cabretta and buy them at around Rs 160 and much more for some selected items.

Shoe manufacturers operate as usual in the market for their requirements of weblue cowhides 1/11 at around Rs 55 to 58 per square foot. Prices of raw cow hides went up by Rs 50 per piece and wetblue cow hides by Re 1/- per square foot due to purchases from different sources. GlobalLeather, a fair to be held on July 28 and 29, 1999 in Boston (USA) is expected to give some indication about the future trends of the leather market.

(The author is a Chennai-based leather analyst)

Leather exports capture top slot in forex earnings Financial Express 6th September 1999

Leather exports capture top slot in forex earnings
V M Khaleelur Rahman
Chennai, Sept 5: The leather goods sector increased its exports by 10.76 per cent to $ 428.98 million in 1998-99 (April-March) and captured the first place in the foreign exchange earnings among leather and leather products segments pushing leather garments to the second position.
The garments sector suffered a setback of 13.31 per cent coming down from $ 425.21 million in 1997-98 to $ 368.60 million in 1998-99.

The leather goods sector has great potential to grow by leaps and bounds. There is good demand for different varieties of leather goods such as purses, band-bags, brief-cases, school bags etc here at home ad abroad. It gives employment opportunities to thousands of people, particularly women. More and more skilled and unskilled women are entering this sector.

Eastern region is far ahead of other regions in its exports of leather goods to the tune of $ 283.86 million in the year 1998-99 which is higher by 12.81 per cent from its previous year exports of $ 251.62 million. Southern region standssecond with its exports of $ 69.72 million in 1998-99.
Northern region exported $ 39.02 million worth of leather goods, whereas the western region exports were of $ 22.77 million in the year 1998-99. The local market is ``dull'' with only some `patchy' business taking place here and there.

Tanned goat skins 3/4 suede was sold at Rs 26.00 per sq ft and rejection and langda at around Rs 125.00 and Rs 90.00 per kg respectively.

S/C goat suede leather A/B/C meant for garment were sold at Rs 50.00 per sq ft whereas sheep nappa leather lot fetched around Rs 45.00 per sq ft.
Sheep cabretta was also slow in sales at around Rs 60.00 per sq ft.

Prices of raw goat skins ruled at around Rs 45.00 per piece in non-suede areas and at around Rs 100.00 in good suede areas.

Garment manufacturers offered leather garments polo types at around $ 50.00 and long coats at around $ 70.00 with the hope that overseas buyers who have returned from holidays would contribute to some business.

S/C goat lining leathers of goodquality were offered at around $ 0.80 per sq ft and upper leather at around $ 1.30 per sq ft C&F.

Some shoe manufacturers are getting ready to participate in the GDS International Footwear Fair to be held in Dusseldorf, Germany from September 9-12, 1999 which is considered to be the most important one for the shoe makers.

TWO MUSLIM GIRLS SECURES 3RD RANK

TAMIL NADU STATE PLUS TWO EXAMINATION RESULTS

TWO MUSLIM GIRLS JAZIMA SULAIKHA AND MEERA RASIBA SECURES 3RD RANK: THEY MISSED FIRST RANK JUST BY 2 MARKS

It is heartening to know that two Muslim girls having Tamil as First Language have secured 3rd rank in the Plus Two Higher Secondary Examination conducted on March 2009 in Tamil Nadu They are:

1) Jazima Sulaikha S : Marks secured : Language 196, English 187, Physics 198, Chemistry 200, Biology 200, Mathematics 200 Total 1181 for 1200. She studied at Amali G Higher Secondary School, Irudayakulam, Cheranmahadevi.

2) Meera Rasiba M: Marks secured : Language 194, English 191, Physics 199, Chemistry 198, Biology 200, Mathematics 199 Total 1181 for 1200. She studied at SRV G Higher Secondary School, Rasipuram, Namakkal

On the whole 10 students were State Toppers - 4 students secured first rank, two students second rank and four students third rank.

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Mr. M. Karunanidhi honoured the 10 toppers in the Plus Two ( XII standard ) examination at the State level. He presented cheques for Rs.50,000, Rs.30,000 and Rs.20,000 to 1st, 2nd and 3rd rank holders respectively. These were the enhanced award amounts, thanks to the Chief Minister’s gesture. The government would meet all the expenses of the 10 rank holders for their higher educations in medicine and engineering courses like MBBS and B.E. The Chief Minister also presented them certificates notifying that the government would sponsor their higher education.

It is a well known fact that Muslim students are coming out in flying colours mostly in non-Muslim institutions. It is a good sign for our secular and plural society. The records of the Tamil Nadu Muslim Graduates Association are a testimony to it. No doubt there are also some institutions founded and managed by Muslims like Crescent Matriculation and Higher Secondary School in Chennai, T. Abdul Wahid Matriculation and Higher Secondary School in Ambur etc. which are reputed for their excellent education and discipline.

The Muslim community is proud of the above two Muslim students and all other top rank holders. The schools where they studied are also praise worthy. Our thanks and congratulations to them.

Our Managements, teachers, parents and students should get inspiration from their excellent performance and create an "educational atmosphere" everywhere to enable our students to prove their mettle and be successful in life for the betterment of the community and country.

V. M. Khaleelur Rahman
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"GEMS" OF PROPHET MOHAMMED (SAL-AM)

1. HEART: Prophet Mohammed (Sal-am) said, ‘Listen carefully, there is a lump of flesh in the body. If it is set right and made good, the entire body becomes good and healthy, but if it becomes diseased, the entire body becomes diseased. Remember well: it is the Heart.’ (Muslim, Bukhari: Nu’man ibn Bashir)

2. LIVING IN GOD’S PRESENCE: Someone asked: ‘How can one purify and develop himself, O Messenger of God, pbuh? He replied: ‘He should always remember that God is with him wherever he is.’ (Tirmidhi: Abdullah ibn Busr)

3. SEEKING GOD’S LOVE: Hazrat Mohammed (Sal-am) said: ‘ Anyone who possesses three qualities finds thereby the sweetness of faith: that he loves God and His Messenger, pbuh, more than everything else; that when he loves a human being he loves him for God’s sake alone; and that he abhors returning to unbelief from which God has rescued him, as he abhors being thrown into fire.’ (Bukhari, Muslim: Anas)

4. FINDING GOD BY SERVING MANKIND: Prophet Mohammed (Sal-am) said: God will say, ‘Son of Adam, I fell ill but you did not visit Me.’ He will say, ‘O Lord, and how could I have visited You! You are the Lord of the worlds!’ He will say, ‘Did you not know that My so and so servant had fallen ill and you did not visit him? Did you not know that had you visited him you would have found Me with him?’‘Son of Adam, I asked you for food but you did not feed Me’. He will say, ‘O Lord, how could I have fed You! You are the Lord of the worlds!’ He will say, ‘My so and so servant asked you for food and you did not feed him? Did you not know that had you fed him you would surely have found that with Me?’‘Son of Adam, I asked you to give Me to drink but you did not give Me.’ He will say, ‘O Lord, how could I have given you to drink! You are the Lord of the worlds!’ He will say, ‘My so and so servant asked you to give him to drink and you did not give him. Had you given him to drink you would surely have found that with Me’. (Muslim: Abu Hurayrah)

5. OUTWARD RELIGIOSITY AND OSTENTATION: The Messenger of God, pbuh, said: Many a one fast, but gain nothing from their fasting except hunger and thirst, and many a one pray all night, but gain nothing from their night prayers except sleeplessness.’ (Darimi: Abu Hurayrah)

6. HYPOCRISY: The Messenger of God, pbuh, said: ‘Three characteristics are the signs of a hypocrite, even if he fast, performs the Prayer and claims that he is a Muslim: when he speaks, he lies, when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he is trusted, he betrays his trust.’ (Bukhari, Muslim: Abu Hurayrah)

7. MERCY TO GOD’S FAMILY : The Messenger of God, pbuh, said: ‘Allcreatures are God’s family; and God loves them most who treat His family well and kindly.’(Baihaqi: Anas)

8. The Messenger of God, pbuh, said: ‘Only those who are merciful will be shownMercy by the Most Merciful. Show mercy to those who are on earth, He who is in heaven will show mercy to you.’ (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi; Abdullah ibn ‘Amr)

9. THIS TOO IS CHARITY : The Messenger of God, pbuh, said: If a Muslimplants a tree or sows a crop, then whatever bird eats of it, or a human being, or an animal, it counts as charity for him. He also said: ‘Whatever is stolen from it, that too counts as charity.’ (Bukhari, Muslim: Anas, Jabir)

10. GOLDEN RULES FOR HUMAN RELATIONS: The Prophet (Sal-am) said: ‘No one among you attains true faith, until he likes for his brother what he likes for himself.’ (Bukhari, Muslim: Anas)

11. CARING FOR THE FAMILY: The Messenger of God, pbuh, said: Anyone who desires his earnings to grow and his life to be prolonged should treat his relatives well.’ (Bukhari, Muslim: Anas)

12. Hazrat Mohammed (Sal-am) said: ‘One who breaks the ties of relations with his relatives shall not enter Paradise.’ (Bukhari, Muslim: Jubayr)

13. The Messenger of God, pbuh, said: ‘A person who merely reciprocates when doing good, is not really the one who maintains ties with his relatives, but the one who does good and maintains relations even if others do not do good, is a good relative.’ (Bukhari: Abdullah ibn ‘Amr)

14. CARING FOR CHILDREN: The Messenger of God, pbuh, said: ‘No father can give a better gift to his children than providing them with a good education.’ (Baihaqi: Ayub ibn Musa)

15. CARING FOR WOMEN: Prophet Mohammed (Sal-am) said: ‘The most perfect in faith among the believers are those who possess the best morals, and the best among you are those who are kindest to their wives.’ (Tirmidhi: Abu Hurayrah)

Leather Exports Decline --Financial Express dated Monday, 10 July 2000

LEATHER EXPORTS DECLINE 9.78%
VM KHALEELUR RAHMAN

Jul 9: The DGCI&S, Calcutta report shows that there is a decline of 9.78 per cent in the exports of finished leather in the last financial year. The exports, which were to the tune of $264.67 million in April/March 1998-99, came down to $238.79 million in April/March 1999-2000.
The discouragement of the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) for the development and export of finished leather under the wrong advice of its dominant members - manufacturers and exporters of leather products - is the main cause for the continuous fall of the leather and leather products exports, says a leading and experienced tanner and adds somewhat furiously that ``unless they are kept out of the CLE which is basically a Council for Leather Exports as its very name suggests, there cannot be any improvement because the development of the leather products industry depends on the development of the leather industry which supplies required finished leather to shoe, garment and goods manufacturers.

Some other tanners plead for the removal of 15 per cent export duty on the E. I. tanned skins to enable them to offer their goods at competitive prices and get orders from overseas buyers.
However, leather products manufacturers feel that a restrictive leather export policy, as at present, is necessary for the development of the value added leather products industry. But value addition is not in sight and even the exports of leather products are on the decline. The exports of leather footwear, footwear components, leather garments and leather goods which were to the tune of $1340.01 million during 1998-99 finnacial year came down by 5.70 per cent to $1263.63 million during the financial year April-March 1999-2000. Under this situation a really liberalised export policy in accordance with the norms of the WTO is a sine qua non for the betterment of the leather and leather products industry.

Market: There is good demand for goat upper and lining leathers at unchanged prices in reputed marks. Some quality conscious buyers in countries like Germnay place orders with those tanners who are supplying goods free from formaldehyde, Chrome-VI Azo and PCP contents. Goat garment suede is normal in movements at its prices at around $1.40 per sq.ft.

Congratulations to Mr. Kavikko Abdul Rahman

It is heartening to know that a reputed Tamil poet Mr. Kavikko Abdur Rahman has been elected unanimously as Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Wakf Board which I think will be welcomed by all. It is perhaps for the first time that a literary figure who has a good Islamic knowledge and an urge for community services has become the head of the board. We extend our hearty congratulations to him. The hon'ble Chief Minister Mr. M. Karunanidhi who is responsible for this deserves our whole-hearted thanks.

Mr. Rahman's remarks that he would endeavour to work for the betterment of the Muslim community by establishing a university which will provide free education to all, besides inaugurating industrial training institutes and elementary schools are most welcome. One hopes that the board will be in the limelight doing good works for the educational and economic upliftment of the community. As assured by him, the chief khazi Mr. Salahuddin Ayub, a great Islamic scholar, should be suitably accommodated in the wakf board in a better position. This is the urgent need of the hour.

V.M. Khaleelur Rahman

Leather footwear sector gears up for quality conscious markets in US, UK ....Financial Express dated May 1, 2000

Leather footwear sector gears up for quality conscious markets in US, UK
VM KHALEELUR RAHMAN

Indian leather footwear industry has developed well and is slowly moving towards exporting shoes as per the specification of the quality conscious customers in advanced countries such as US, UK, Italy etc. According to DGCI&S Calcutta, footwear exports which were to the tune of $232.19 million during the period April-Dec 1998 has increased by 5.44 per cent to $244.81 million during the same period in 1999. This upward tendency is certain to continue in the months to come.

Every reputed shoe factory has sufficient orders for exports which is not the case in other sectors like leather garments which suffered a downfall of 20.75 per cent during the same April-December '99 period.

Market: Prices to E.I tanned goat skins remain almost unchanged with sales taking place at around Rs 31.00, Rs 28.00 and Rs 25.00 per sq.ft for garment suede, all suede and shoe suede respectively. Goat linings A/B/C are available at Rs 18/16/14 while Rejection and Langda are ruling at Rs 130.00 and Rs 105.00 per kg. respectively. Although good demand exists for wetblue cow hides higher selections at prices Rs. 57 to Rs 59 per sq. ft. for I/II, Rs. 47 to Rs 48 for III and Rs. 37 to Rs 38 for IV, lower selections are somewhat slow in movements. The manufacturers of shoes continue to buy mostly standard tannage hides free from hazardous chemicals like Azo, Pcp etc.

There is good demand for sheep nappa lot in the domestic market at around Rs 43.00 per sq. ft. for good quality and sheep Cabretta is sold upto $2.00 per sq. ft. CIF for export. There is also demand for goat lining leathers at varying prices depending on the quality and selection. As a whole market moves upwards particularly in raw materials and it has become difficult for tanners to operate. Many leading exporters are preparing to participate in the Bologna leather fair to be held from May 3 to 5, 2000.

(The author is a Chennai-based leather industry analyst) Courtesy: Financial Express

Banned tanning usages may hit leather exports --Financial Express dated 28th August 2000

Banned tanning usages may hit leather exports
VM Khaleelur Rahman
CHENNAI, JUNE 27: A documentary film shown on TV in Switzerland recently depicting `miserable conditions' and the improper use of chemicals, banned in Europe, in a tannery in a village in Andhra Pradesh has `frightened and shocked'' the people there.
After seeing the programme, some stores arranged tests of several leather goods (clothing and shoes) and found in a part of them the forbidden chemicals. A lot of suppliers had to take back the goods from the show rooms. The Swiss government is also expected to arrange for suitable tests of the imported goods. They want only PCP, AZO and CHROME-VI free goods.
A leading shoe manufacturer whose name is well-known the world-over in leather and shoe circles has faxed an SOS to his suppliers in India saying that ``for being sure that we have clean uppers and shoes from India it is not enough that we have your certificate that the goods don't contain PCP and AZO dyestuffs. We are requesting for a test report to each consignment''.
Always buyers in Germany andSwitzerland have been ``allergic'' to the use of dyes like PCP and AZO because it is feared that they have cancer causing ingredients in them. But surprisingly enough there has been no such protest against them in other countries.
It was Germany which created this problem first some 10 years ago causing much hardship to exporters with huge orders, but somehow it was solved and tanners started using only those chemicals and dyes approved by their overseas customers. At that time some people even thought that it was only their ``ruse'' for selling their own chemicals and dyes to their Indian suppliers of leather and leather products.
There is also a warning in the above referred fax message as follows: ``If some shoes should be delivered to a customer of ours and he found out that the shoes are not PCP, AZO or CHROME-VI free, we have to take the goods back and have to destroy it. In such a case, we will debit all of the costs together with the consequences to you.''
This sudden development is causingworry to exporters of leather and leather products to Switzerland and Germany. Although they do not use any harmful items, getting a test report for every consignment is considered to be time- consuming, complicated and also expensive.
But they believe that their genuine explanation regarding this will be convincing and acceptable to their traditional and knowledgeable customers in these countries and they will be satisfied with the certificate they issue to this effect.
A show manufacturer suggests that the Council for Leather Exports should look into this TV programme episode and issue a clarification on it portraying the real picture of the tanning and leather products industry here so that the wrong impression created in the minds of the Swiss people are removed and they continue to buy our products confidently without any hesitation as hithertofore.
The continuing dull leather market worries tanners. The slow tendency is for all items - hides, goat and sheep skins. Inspite of best efforts, tannersfind it extremely difficult to sell their goods. The usual hubhub of the local leather market is conspicuous by its absence.
Some small business was done in tanned goal skins at around the following prices: Garment suede Rs 33, all suede Rs 30/50, shoe suede Rs 27, A lining Rs 19, A/B lining Rs 17, C lining Rs 15/-, D lining Rs. 12, Rejection T Rs 9, Skiver Rs 7-per SF. Local Rejection, langda and paper were sold at around Rs 110/85/130 per kg respectively. A tanner sold ``as it is'' lot at Rs 90 per piece. Raw goat skins are sold at around Rs 50 in Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai etc. whereas in places like Miraj, Modachur, Pollachi etc where the quality and pelt is always better the prices are at around Rs 75. Sheep nappa, particularly in good quality, sold at around lot Rs 38, E/F/SF/- and Rejection Rs 17 per SF but the business done was small. Goat garment suede leathers A/B/C fetched at around Rs 50 per SF. Only a few garment manufacturers of places like Chennai, Delhi and Bangalore showed limitedinterest because of reduced works in factories due to lack of big export orders.
The POLO garments which fetched about US $80 a year ago are now paid only about US $55 and manufacturers find it very difficult to operate at this ridiculously low price. As regards shoe industry, position is far better. Shoe manufacturers bought wetblue goat skins 3/4 of 1/9 grades at around Rs 38 per SF. They continue to evince interest for TC buff light 5/6 grades of size 8/14 at around Rs 25 and size 4/8 at around Rs 30. Some bought sheep cabretta at around Rs 70 and goat crust LDT 3/6 at around Rs 23 and 6/9 at around Rs 25.
(The author is an leather market analyst)

Current norms on leather identification holding up exports -- Financial Express dated 28.8.2000

Current norms on leather identification holding up exports
VM Khaleelur Rahman

Chennai: There is very good overseas demand for leather, but the existing norms for identification of finished leathers are a hurdle in the way of increasing the exports of leather many-fold and earning more and more foreign exchange to the country. `Light colours' in both grain and suede selections cannot be exported under these norms though they are fully finished in every respect and meant for direct use in either shoe or garment factories in abroad. Many leading exporters add that this fact is well known to the CLRI and different leather associations, but nothing has been done so far to rectify this anomaly.

Fashion changes quite often in leather and leather exporters have no alternative to supply the goods in accordance with colour specifications of buyers. Their inability to produce and export `light colours' has deprived them of their overseas orders many a time, buyers preferring to cover their requirements from some other country. Foreign customers want to have business only with those tanners who can execute their contracts fully for all items without any excuse whatsoever.

Indian exporters cannot expect the customer to buy `dark colours' from here and `light colours' from some other country. Although this practical difficulty is known to everybody, a solution to this burning problem is yet to be found. Many exporters feel that the existing norms should be suitably amended to facilitate the exports of light colours without any further delay and harming the leather industry.

Both goat and cow lining are in demand at different prices depending as the quality and selection. While goat linings in good marks fetch at around $0.75/$0.65 for TR/TRR grades. Cow linings DEF/GII are sold at around $0.90/$0.80 per square feet CIF by sea. It is expected that market may pick up further as soon as holidays are over in the middle of September in Europe and America.

F/C sheep nappa and cabretta continue to be in good demand at almost unchange prices here and abroad. The EI tannned goat skins almost all items are sold. Goat Garment suede/All suede/Shoe suede/Heel grip are sold at around Rs 32/Rs 29/Rs 26/Rs 21 and A/B/C linings at around Rs 19/ Rs 17 /Rs 15 per square feet respectively. There is demand for `Rejection' and `Langda' at around Rs 160 and Rs 135 per kg. Good quality wetblue goat skins size 3/5 run is bought at around Rs 50 and otehr grades VII/VIII and IX/X at around Rs 38 and Rs 25 per square feet respectively. Wetblue wool sheep skins 5/6 size lot is sold at around Rs 200 and `Rejection' at around Rs 75 per piece.

Courtesy : Financial Express dated Monday, 28th August, 2000

INJUSTICE TO CHIEF KHAZI MR. SALAHUDDIN MOHAMMED AYUB

The Prince of Arcot, Mr. Mohammed Abdul Ali is right in saying that a very great injustice has been done to the Chief Qazi Mr. Salahuddin Mohammed Ayub by the officials of the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board who fraudulently obtained his resignation from the membership of the said board.

We request the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu hon'ble Mr. M. Karunanidhi to enquire into this serious matter, consider the resignation as invalid and restore the membership of the board to Mr. Salahuddin Mohammed Ayub who is an Islamic scholar and his association with the board will be more helpful in carrying out the activities of the board in accordance with the Islamic laws. One wonders why an honest and straightforward person like the Chief Qazi has been targeted. The Muslim community is upset over this issue.

V.M. Khaleelur Rahman
in Deccan Chronicle dated 9th June 2009

OUTCOME OF THE HONG KONG APLF

OUTCOME OF THE HONG KONG APLF

V. M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN

The Asia Pacific Leather Fair held from 28 March to 2 April 2009 was the 25th anniversary fair with more participants. It had the usual extravaganza and hectic activities such as get-togethers, seminars, buyer-seller meets etc. but dealings were generally lacklustre and far below expectations.

We are aware that a fair is an important meeting place where products are displayed for perusal and evaluation by potential customers. It may or may not lead to any contract on the spot but it definitely paves the way for future dealings. Nobody can go to a fair with high expectations of buying or selling – an industrialist explained to me thus when questioned about the fair.

The fair authority issued a press release which said that “the hide market crash is the ripple effect of the global economic crisis plummeting sales in the automobile and household furniture sectors, both big leather consumers, have caused a radical decline in demand for skins. A similar trend followed in other leather articles like apparel, small leather goods and footwear”.

The result was that “a chronic surplus of hides, triggering a host of other problems including the dwindling value of raw materials as well as financial and contractual changes” according to the said authority.

It is also learnt from reliable sources that more than 100 containers of hides and skins were in Hong Kong and other Far East ports unsold. Suppliers had tough time in trying to dispose off them. Raw and wetblue cow hides which were sold as hot cakes before the global meltdown are having restricted activity now at the reduction of about 20 to 25%.

FMM&T FAIR, INDIA EXPO CENTRE, GREATER NOIDA, MAY 8 TO 10, 2009

The APLF, in association with Indian Footwear Components Manufacturers Association (IFCOMA) is organising the first edition of Footwear Materials Manufacturing & Technology Fair (FMM&T Fair) at the Indian Trade Expo in Greater Noida from 8th to 10th May, 2009. The organisers are of the opinion that the new fair will create a platform for Indian as well as foreign manufacturers to keep abreast of the latest trends and a bridge between the footwear manufacturers and the component producers targeting this vast Indian footwear market according to Council for Leather Exports sources.

STEADY GROWTH OF INDIAN LEATHER INDUSTRY –FIGURES SPEAK

The leather and leather products industry occupies a prominent place in the Indian economy holding 8th rank in view of its steady growth, huge employment generation, invaluable foreign exchange earnings to the tune of US$3477.52 million in the year 2007/2008. If it had received the timely support from the government and made the prices competitive in comparison with those of Pakistan, Bangladesh and China, its position would have been still better. The leather industry is evergreen and growth oriented and the present slowdown is nothing to do with it – according to all sources. The export figure for the last financial year is not available now but leading industrialists say that it will be more than that of the previous year.

The following figures show that exports of leather and leather products had been increasing constantly from 2003/2004 to 2007/2008.

EXPORT PERFORMANCE FOR FIVE YEARS

India’s export of leather and leather products for five years - Value in Million US$

2003-2004
2004-2005
2005-2006
2006-2007
2007-2008
Finished leather
555.71
607.73
636.27
724.00
766.93
Footwear
767.73
910.77
1045.24
1236.91
1475.83
Leather Garments
301.08
329.44
333.30
309.91
343.99
Leather Goods
539.21
585.72
660.17
706.28
784.95
Saddlery and Harness
52.71
61.71
77.52
82.33
105.81
Total
2216.49
2495.37
2752.50
3059.43
3477.52
Source: DGCI&S

Quality consciousness, price control, reliability, safety etc. are some of the main features for customers being attracted to India. The industrial climate prevailing here is perhaps one of the best in the world. There are innumerable industrialists in India having uninterrupted business connections with their overseas customers for decades together.

The following table shows country-wise performance of major importing countries of Indian leather and leather products for five years (Value in million US$)

COUNTRY

2003-2004
2004-2005
2005-2006
2006-2007
2007-2008
Germany
329.82
350.79
363.24
410.08
488.72
Italy
285.02
258.23
317.04
413.35
479.04
UK
250.65
313.69
345.54
359.84
414.32
USA
251.58
290.42
318.36
317.59
306.69
Hong Kong
226.97
247.68
252.15
279.72
267.93
Spain
161.23
176.70
200.18
185.78
212.07
France
109.82
140.00
143.72
174.04
196.17
Netherlands
57.75
65.68
82.95
100.82
133.37
UAE
37.39
48.03
52.34
62.55
74.53
Portugal
34.07
38.38
42.20
49.92
56.06
Source: DGCI&S
However the present situation in Tamil Nadu and elsewhere in the country is that industrialists are operating cautiously as market is dull for leathers even at reduced prices whereas although there is demand for leather products particularly footwear, prices are comparatively lower which are considered highly unworkable. This is worrying the trade and industry.

NEW PLANNING

The present slowdown has made some industrialists to think of having some sort of collaboration with leading importers abroad for production and marketing of their products or marketing them in domestic and overseas markets with their own brands. (V.M. Khaleelur Rahman in Indian Leather, May 2009)
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