New Delhi: – The Apparel, Made-Ups & Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC) considers the significant influence of this flagship program on the nation’s textile and apparel industry as it marks the tenth anniversary of the Make in India initiative. Made in India, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has made India a major hub for global manufacturing, promoting innovation, economic growth, and the creation of jobs in a number of industries. The AMHSSC, a key participant in this process, is committed to equipping the labor force with the skills necessary to satisfy the expanding demands of the expanding garment industry.
In order to highlight the significance of this program, Padma Shri Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman of AMHSSC, said, “Made in India has been instrumental in positioning India as a competitive player in the global apparel and textile market.” This effort has given millions of people in the industry new opportunities by emphasizing infrastructure improvement, attracting international investment, and increasing local production. At AMHSSC, we’re dedicated to giving workers the tools they need to satisfy industry needs and propel the industry forward.
The Role of Make in India in Strengthening the Apparel Sector
The Indian apparel industry has been one of the primary beneficiaries of the Make in India initiative, contributing significantly to job creation and export growth. With the government’s focus on improving manufacturing infrastructure, reducing regulatory barriers, and introducing favorable trade policies, India has become a preferred destination for apparel production. As a result, the sector has witnessed a surge in exports and enhanced its global competitiveness.
India’s Rise to Self-Sufficiency
India’s journey from being heavily reliant on imports, particularly from China, to becoming a self-sufficient manufacturing powerhouse is a significant milestone in its economic transformation. Before 2014, India imported 80% of its mobile phones, however, through initiatives like Make in India and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, India has shifted to local production, now manufacturing 97% of its mobile phone demand domestically. This transition has led to a surge in mobile phone exports, with India achieving a record $15.6 billion in smartphone exports in 2024, marking a 42% year-on-year growth. This broader move towards self-reliance has enabled India to reduce its dependency on imports, and has boosted its exports across multiple sectors, positioning India as a rising global manufacturing hub, driving economic growth and job creation.
Skilling the Workforce for the Future
To meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the apparel industry, AMHSSC, under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), has played a critical role in providing vocational training and certification programs. Over the last decade, the council has trained over 1.5 million individuals, aligning with the goals of Skill India and Make in India. These programs have ensured a steady supply of skilled labor to drive productivity and innovation in the sector.
“With the rapid changes in fashion trends and the increasing demand for sustainable production, it is crucial to have a workforce that is not only technically skilled but also adaptable to new technologies and practices,” Padma Shri Dr. Sakthivel said. “AMHSSC’s focus on upskilling and reskilling has ensured that the Indian apparel sector remains competitive on the global stage.”
Future Outlook
Padma Shri Dr. Sakthivel added, “The Make in India initiative has laid a strong foundation for the apparel industry to flourish. As we move forward, the focus will remain on innovation, sustainability, and skilling. Together, we will continue to drive the growth of the Indian apparel industry and strengthen its presence in global markets.”
As India celebrates a decade of the Make in India initiative, the apparel, made ups, and home furnishing industry stands as a testament to the success of this visionary program. The sector’s sustained growth, driven by skill development, innovation, and increased domestic manufacturing, aligns with the country’s broader goals of self-reliance and global competitiveness.
