The Dyestuff Manufacturers’ Association of India (DMAI) stressed upon the need for image building of the colourant industry and disseminating information about the vital need for colorants.

Among one of the suggestions in its action plan for the 12th Five Year Plan, the DMAI said that there is an urgent need for projecting the right image of the colourant industry.

\"To help us in projecting the right image of the colourant industry, we solicit a grant of Rs 50 lakh to be used for disseminating information about the vital need of colourants by arranging seminars; an information campaign though media; making a film for distribution to relevant educational institutions, NGOs, and government departments etc to help them appreciate the colourant industry\'s vital needs,\" it said.

According to the DMAI, colours add to the very existence and intrinsic value of human life.

Synthetic dyes have an inherent element of value addition to a wide variety of products, and thereby are a key ingredient, very vital to the growth of the manufacturing sector. Though not as polluting as some of the other industries like pharma, agro chemicals, steel etc, the colourants industry is perceived by general public as one of the most polluting industries. Government authorities therefore seem to give less priority to its growth,\" the DMAI rued.

\"There is no encouragement for expansion or addition to the product range. Industry does not have any maneuverability for product improvisation. With its poor image as a high pollutant, entrepreneurs face various bureaucratic impediments. The government should, therefore, actively support the industry to remove this wrong perception in the minds of bureaucrats and general public,\" the DMAI suggested.