Textile Minister Lauds North-East’s Role In India’s Growing Textile Sector
At the official inauguration of the permanent campus of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Shillong on October 25th, Union Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh presented a dynamic vision for the future of India’s textile industry, highlighting the North-East’s substantial contribution. Speaking at the event, which also celebrated NIFT Shillong’s 12th convocation, Singh remarked that handloom, technical textiles and handicrafts from the region account for over Rs 45,000 crore in exports. “The North-East plays a vital role in our billion-dollar textile market, forming a key part of our department’s identity,” he stated.
Singh encouraged the 2024 graduating class, emphasizing the importance of embracing challenges and innovation. “Today is a defining moment for NIFT Shillong, not only with the opening of this state-of-the-art campus but in celebrating your achievements. The future of fashion lies in your hands,” he told the graduates.
During his address, Singh stressed the necessity of equipping designers with technology to safeguard their creations and noted his commitment to raising India’s textile sector to global prominence. Reflecting on a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, “After agriculture, the textile sector offers the most significant employment opportunities.”
He outlined ambitious goals for industry growth, with projections of reaching US$ 350 billion by 2030 and creating millions of jobs. Singh also underscored the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in fashion, echoing the Prime Minister’s belief that “design permeates all sectors, especially fashion, which will be India’s strength.”
Singh further highlighted NIFT’s VisionNxt initiative, supporting indigenous trend forecasting and foreseeing India’s Bharat brand and sustainable textiles on the global stage. He encouraged graduates to champion the Bharat brand in their future roles, reinforcing his vision of India as a leader in sustainable fashion.
The event was attended by Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, and Paul Lyngdoh, Minister of Textiles for Meghalaya, among other Central and state officials.
