The recent news has brought the Ministry of Textiles to the limelight as it takes up the role of implementing the Samarth-Scheme for Capacity Building in the Textiles Sector. Also known as Scheme for Capacity Building in the Textile Sector (SCBTS), this initiative was approved in 2017 by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). The driving force behind this scheme is to secure a constant supply of skilled manpower in the labor-focused textile sector. Taking a closer look at this scheme and its objectives, the various facets of this comprehensive initiative are unveiled.
Key Objectives of the Samarth-Scheme
The primary objectives of the Samarth Scheme are multi-fold, with each one contributing to the improvement of the textile sector in India. Firstly, it aims to provide demand-driven and placement-oriented National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) compliant skilling programs. These programs are designed to generate jobs in the organized textile and related sectors while excluding Spinning and Weaving.
Additionally, the scheme also advocates skilling and skill upgradation in traditional sectors like handlooms, handicrafts, sericulture, and jute. This promotion of skills would enable sustainable livelihoods, whether through wage or self-employment.
Role of State Governments in Samarth-Scheme
To actualize these aims, 18 State Governments have been bestowed a training target of 3.6 lakh beneficiaries. These beneficiaries will conduct training programs in both traditional and organized sectors to meet their defined goals.
Participation of Industry and Associations
In an effort to cater to the industry-specific needs, industries and industry associations are being empanelled. Their role is to undertake industry-oriented entry level skilling programs in the organized sectors. This will ensure that the training provided under the Samarth-Scheme matches the requirements of the textile industry, thereby making the integration and transition smoother for the skilled manpower.
Other Significant Schemes in the Textile Sector
While the Samarth Scheme plays a significant role, it’s not the only initiative aimed to uplift the textile sector. There are numerous other schemes diligently working towards this goal. These include the Scheme for Integrated Textile Park (SITP), Power-Tex India, Silk Samagra Scheme, Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS), National Handloom Day, Jute ICARE, and National Technical Textile Mission.
Each of these initiatives targets different areas of the textile sector, offering comprehensive support to ensure its growth and sustainability. The SITP, for example, focuses on creating new integrated textile parks, while the Power-Tex India scheme provides support to the power loom sector.
On the other hand, Silk Samagra Scheme is dedicated to improving the silk industry, whereas the ATUFS aims at technology upgradation. Similarly, National Handloom Day celebrates the handloom weavers in the country and their contribution to the socio-economic development. The Jute ICARE is focused on improving the income of jute farmers and National Technical Textile Mission is aimed at driving technical textiles’ growth.
Each scheme has a specific role to play in shaping the future of the textile sector in India. Through their combined efforts and shared objective of propelling the textile industry’s growth, these schemes together promise a brighter and more sustainable future for the sector and its countless stakeholders.
