Ministry of Textiles engages states and industry on implementation of new sector schemes

A consultation meeting for Western Zone states on textile sector initiatives announced in the Union Budget 2026–27 was held in Mumbai. The meeting focused on implementation strategies and stakeholder inputs across the textile value chain.

A Western Zone States’ consultation meeting on key textile sector initiatives announced in the Union Budget 2026–27 was held in Mumbai under the chairpersonship of Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The meeting was attended by senior officials including Shri Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary; Smt. Padmini Singla, Joint Secretary (Fibre); Smt. Vrunda Manohar Desai, Textile Commissioner, Mumbai; and Shri Akhilesh Kumar, Deputy Director General.

The consultation brought together representatives from State Governments, industry associations, and stakeholders from across the textile value chain to discuss implementation and strengthening of newly announced schemes.

Discussions covered major initiatives outlined in the Union Budget 2026–27 aimed at strengthening the textile ecosystem. These included programmes related to skilling and capacity building, fibre development, sustainability, cluster expansion, infrastructure development, and support for traditional sectors such as handloom and handicrafts.

Key initiatives discussed included Samarth 2.0, which focuses on large-scale skilling, reskilling, and upskilling across the textile value chain, with a target to skill 15 lakh individuals over five years. The National Fibre Scheme (2026–2031) was also reviewed, with a focus on strengthening raw material availability across natural, man-made, and emerging fibres, while reducing import dependence.

The Tex Eco Initiative – Mission for Sustainable Textiles was discussed in the context of promoting circularity, cleaner production, and sustainability across the sector, particularly for MSMEs. The Textile Expansion and Employment (TEEM) Scheme was also highlighted for its role in modernising clusters, improving productivity, and generating employment across weaving, processing, and garmenting segments.

The expansion of Mega Textile Parks in challenge mode was reviewed as part of efforts to develop integrated textile manufacturing ecosystems. Additionally, the National Handloom and Handicraft Programme (NHHP) and the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative were discussed, with a focus on strengthening traditional sectors, improving market access, enhancing skills, and promoting branding.

During the meeting, the Secretary (Textiles) highlighted the importance of coordination between the Centre, states, and industry stakeholders for effective implementation of these initiatives. The focus remains on improving competitiveness, promoting sustainable growth, generating employment, and strengthening India’s position in global textile markets.

Shri Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, provided an overview of Union Budget 2026–27 highlights related to textile programmes, including the National Fibre Scheme and the Textile Expansion and Employment Scheme. He also emphasized the role of state governments and industry stakeholders in implementation. Information regarding the upcoming Bharat Tex Initiative, scheduled from July 14 to 17, 2026, in Delhi, was shared, with an invitation extended to states and industry representatives to participate.

Participants from Western Zone states and industry stakeholders provided suggestions on strengthening scheme implementation and ensuring effective execution at the ground level.

The consultation is part of a broader series of regional meetings being conducted by the Ministry of Textiles to gather feedback prior to finalising the implementation framework for textile sector initiatives announced in the Union Budget 2026–27.