Western Zone Consultation On Textile Budget Initiatives Held In Mumbai
A consultation meeting with Western Zone states on key textile initiatives announced in the Union Budget 2026–27 was held in Mumbai under the chairpersonship of Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles.
Senior officials attending the meeting included Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Padmini Singla, Joint Secretary (Fibre), Vrunda Manohar Desai, Textile Commissioner, and Akhilesh Kumar, Deputy Director General, along with representatives from state governments, industry associations and stakeholders from across the textile value chain.
The consultation focused on strengthening and implementing key schemes proposed for the textile sector in the Union Budget. Discussions covered initiatives related to skilling, fibre development, sustainability, cluster development, infrastructure expansion, and the promotion of traditional sectors such as handloom and handicrafts.
One of the major initiatives discussed was Samarth 2.0, a programme aimed at large-scale skilling, reskilling and upskilling across the textile value chain. The scheme targets training 15 lakh individuals over the next five years to build a skilled workforce aligned with emerging industry needs and technological advancements.
Participants also reviewed the proposed National Fibre Scheme (2026–2031), which seeks to strengthen India’s raw material base across natural, man-made and emerging fibres. The scheme aims to boost domestic production, reduce import dependence and support the development of sustainable fibre markets.
The meeting further discussed the Tex Eco Initiative – Mission for Sustainable Textiles, designed to promote cleaner production practices, circularity and environmentally responsible manufacturing across the textile value chain while helping MSMEs meet evolving global sustainability standards.
Another key proposal highlighted was the Textile Expansion and Employment (TEEM) Scheme, which aims to modernise textile clusters, enhance productivity and generate large-scale employment across weaving, processing and garmenting segments through technology upgradation and investment.
The proposed expansion of Mega Textile Parks in challenge mode was also reviewed, with the objective of developing integrated textile manufacturing ecosystems to strengthen India’s competitiveness in global markets.
In addition, the National Handloom and Handicraft Programme (NHHP) and the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative were discussed, focusing on strengthening traditional sectors through improved market access, skill development and branding of handmade products.
Addressing the participants, Neelam Shami Rao highlighted the importance of cooperative federalism and stakeholder participation in shaping effective policy frameworks for the textile sector. She noted that the initiatives are aimed at enhancing competitiveness, promoting sustainable growth, generating employment and positioning India as a global textile hub.
During the meeting, Rohit Kansal also briefed participants on the textile-related highlights of the Union Budget 2026–27 and emphasised the role of state governments and industry stakeholders in ensuring effective implementation of the schemes. He also informed participants about the upcoming Bharat Tex 2026, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from July 14 to 17, 2026, and invited states and industry representatives to participate.
The consultation is part of a series of regional meetings being organised by the Ministry of Textiles to gather feedback from states and stakeholders before finalising the framework for implementing the textile initiatives announced in the Union Budget 2026–27.
