The Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector (SAMARTH) is an initiative by the Central Government of India, designed to enhance the skill set of individuals working in the textile industry. The primary goal is to align the skills of the workforce with the evolving demands of this sector. Administered by the Union Ministry of Textiles, SAMARTH focuses on generating employment opportunities in both organized textile industries and traditional sectors through skill development.
Objective of SAMARTH
The core objective of the SAMARTH scheme is to address the skill gap in the textile sector by providing industry-specific training. By doing so, the program aims to facilitate sustainable employment for 10 lakh individuals. This large-scale skilling mission supports the government’s vision of boosting the domestic textile industry, which is a significant source of employment and economic growth.
Implementation Strategy
The implementation of SAMARTH is structured around the specific needs of the textile sector. It involves a comprehensive approach that includes identifying the areas where skill enhancement is necessary and developing specialized training programs accordingly. The scheme is tailored to cater to various sub-sectors within textiles, ensuring a broad impact across the entire industry.
Key Features of SAMARTH
One of the standout features of the SAMARTH scheme is the Training of Trainers (ToT) component. This aspect ensures that the individuals responsible for delivering the training are themselves adequately skilled and equipped to do so effectively. By focusing on the quality of trainers, the program ensures a high standard of education and skill development for the trainees.
Another significant feature is the use of the Aadhar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS). This system is implemented to maintain transparency and accountability in the attendance of both trainers and trainees. By leveraging biometric technology, the scheme ensures that only genuine participants are accounted for and that the training sessions are attended diligently.
Additionally, the scheme mandates CCTV recording of training programs. This measure is taken to maintain the integrity of the training process, allowing for monitoring and evaluation of the training delivery. It also serves as a tool to review and continually improve the training methods and materials used.
Focus on Organized and Traditional Sectors
SAMARTH aims to bolster employment in the organized sectors of the textile industry, which includes modern textile mills and garment manufacturing units. By providing relevant skills, the scheme prepares individuals for the technological advancements and modern management practices prevalent in these sectors.
Simultaneously, the scheme gives special attention to traditional sectors, which encompass handloom, handicrafts, sericulture, and other artisanal forms of textile production. These sectors often rely on skills passed down through generations and face the risk of decline due to a lack of formal training and skill upgradation. SAMARTH addresses this issue by modernizing the skill sets of artisans while preserving the cultural heritage associated with their crafts.
Ensuring Effective and Transparent Implementation
The emphasis on transparency and effectiveness is a cornerstone of the SAMARTH scheme. By integrating technological tools such as AEBAS and CCTV surveillance, the program ensures that the training provided is of high quality, efficiently administered, and benefits the rightful participants. These measures help in building trust among stakeholders and contribute towards the overall success of the initiative.
The SAMARTH scheme represents a significant step forward in empowering the textile workforce in India. By focusing on capacity building through skill development, the initiative not only enhances the employability of individuals but also contributes to the competitiveness and growth of the textile sector as a whole.