Government Plans Rs 25,000-Crore Samarth 2.0 Skilling Scheme For Textile Sector

New Delhi, Oct 19 (KNN) The government is considering a Rs 25,000-crore skilling programme for the textiles and garments sector over five years to strengthen workforce capabilities and improve India's manufacturing and export competitiveness.

The proposed outlay for Samarth 2.0 would mark a significant increase from the Rs 740 crore spent under the existing Samarth 1.0 scheme over the five years through March 2026. The allocation for the current financial year stands at Rs 300 crore.

The textiles ministry's proposal has been examined by the Expenditure Finance Committee, an inter-ministerial body that evaluates government schemes, and may soon be placed before the Cabinet for approval, reported The Mint.

Focus On Industry-Ready Workforce

Announced in the Union Budget for FY27, Samarth 2.0 aims to modernise the existing skilling framework through closer collaboration between industry and academic institutions.

The programme is expected to prepare workers for evolving technologies and changing industry requirements, while strengthening the sector's workforce and supporting export growth.

The textiles and garments sector is India's second-largest employer after agriculture, providing jobs to around 4.5 crore people and supporting over 10 crore livelihoods, largely among women and rural workers.

Following Cabinet approval, the programme is expected to be implemented through industry partners, academic institutions and other organisations in the sector.

(KNN Bureau)