The central government recently announced the extension of the ‘Samarth’ scheme, a flagship initiative aimed at capacity building in the textiles sector, for an additional year. The Ministry of Textiles revealed that the scheme, operational until March 31, 2024, will continue within the original outlay of Rs390 crore. This decision came after the Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance approved the extension, signaling a commitment to fostering skill development and employment opportunities in the textile industry.
Samarth, a demand-driven and placement-oriented skilling scheme, was designed under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship comprehensive skilling policy framework to encourage job creation in the organised textile and related sectors. The scheme addresses the entire value chain of textiles, excluding spinning and weaving, and focuses on aligning training programs with the evolving technological and market demands, both domestically and internationally.
Moreover, the scheme introduces a specialized provision for upskilling and reskilling programs to enhance the productivity of existing workers in the apparel and garment segments, reflecting the government’s emphasis on continuous learning and development in the workforce. Notably, Samarth extends its support to the traditional textile sectors like handloom, handicraft, silk, and jute, catering to their upskilling and re-skilling needs.
Implemented through various implementing partners including textile industry associations, State government agencies, and sectoral organizations of the Ministry of Textiles, Samarth boasts advanced features like an enabled Biometric Attendance System, Training of Trainers, CCTV recording of training sessions, dedicated helpline numbers, mobile apps, Web-based MIS, and online monitoring mechanisms. These technological interventions ensure transparency, accountability, and accessibility in the skilling process, making information readily available to stakeholders and the public.
With the scheme’s widespread adoption in most states and Union Territories, Samarth is not only nurturing a skilled workforce but also revolutionizing the textile industry by fostering innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. The extension of the scheme underscores the government’s commitment to empowering the sector and creating a conducive environment for growth and development in the textile industry.
