The Gujarat government has introduced key amendments to the Textile Policy-2024 to broaden institutional support for women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and extend policy benefits to non-polluting textile units operating within municipal areas. The changes, approved by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, aim to widen participation in the textile value chain while maintaining environmental safeguards and balanced industrial growth.
To enhance the reach of the Textile Policy-2024, the state administration has modified select provisions to allow wider inclusion of women-led Self-Help Groups engaged in livelihood activities. Under the revised framework, SHGs registered with the National Rural Livelihood Mission, the National Urban Livelihood Mission, or operating as voluntary collectives will now be eligible for policy incentives if they operate in similar activity segments.
In a parallel move, policy benefits have been extended to non-polluting textile manufacturing units located within municipal boundaries. Garment, apparel, made-up, stitching, embroidery and allied activity units will now qualify for assistance, provided they fall under the White or Green categories as defined by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board or relevant regulatory standards.
The Textile Policy-2024 continues to follow a value-chain-based approach, with priority segments including garments, apparel and technical textiles. By formally recognising labour-intensive yet environmentally compliant textile operations in urban areas, the policy seeks to promote industrial activity while maintaining ecological standards.
The revised framework is expected to benefit eligible urban textile enterprises, stimulate employment creation in cities, and support opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled workers. MSMEs are likely to gain from improved access to urban infrastructure, lower operational costs and a more enabling business environment, strengthening overall competitiveness.
With activities such as stitching and embroidery increasingly concentrated in urban centres, the amendments are expected to facilitate greater employment access for women workers, contributing to socio-economic stability and improved work-life balance. At the same time, the policy reinforces sustainable manufacturing by encouraging non-polluting production practices.
The inclusion of women SHGs under the policy framework is expected to support income generation and strengthen women’s participation in enterprise development across Gujarat. The amendments, guided by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister and Industries Minister Harsh Sanghavi, align with national development objectives, including the long-term vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, with Gujarat positioned as a key contributor to industrial growth.