Government proposes integrated programme to boost textile sector
The Government on Sunday announced an integrated programme to boost growth in the labour-intensive textile sector and also proposed setting up of mega textile parks.
In her Budget speech, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, “For the labour-intensive Textile Sector, I propose an Integrated Programme with 5 sub-parts”. Under these five sub-parts, she announced a ‘National Fibre Scheme’ for self-reliance in natural fibres such as silk, wool and jute, man-made fibres, and new-age fibres.
The Government proposed a ‘Textile Expansion and Employment Scheme’ to modernise traditional clusters with capital support for machinery, technology upgradation and common testing and certification centres.
A National Handloom and Handicraft programme has been proposed to integrate and strengthen existing schemes and ensure targeted support for weavers and artisans. That apart, the minister said a ‘Tex-Eco Initiative’ will be launched to promote globally competitive and sustainable textiles and apparels.
The Government also proposed ‘Samarth 2.0’ to modernise and upgrade the textile skilling ecosystem through tie-ups with industry and academic institutions.
“Further, I propose to set up Mega Textile Parks in challenge mode. They can also focus on bringing value addition to technical textiles,” Sitharaman said.
