In a move aimed at bolstering the textile industry and attracting investments, Union Minister Piyush Goyal has recommended the establishment of a dedicated Invest India desk within the Ministry of Textiles. This desk will serve as a support system for investors seeking to set up or expand their manufacturing base in the sector. Goyal made this announcement during an industry interaction event held in New Delhi, where he also commended the industry’s enthusiasm for the Prime Minister MITRA (Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel) Parks initiative.
The PM MITRA scheme, announced in the 2021-22 Union Budget, is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to create a self-reliant India and strengthen its position in the global textiles market. The scheme aims to establish integrated textile value chains that reduce industry logistics costs while generating employment opportunities. Seven PM MITRA Parks are planned to be set up across Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, with each park spread over 1,000 acres.
During the industry interaction, Minister Goyal urged textile businesses to collaborate and engage in research and development (R&D) activities. He emphasized the importance of partnership to achieve greater strides in the sector and encouraged industry players to leverage existing ministry schemes such as the National Technical Textiles Mission and the Scheme for Capacity Building in the Textile Sector (Samarth). The discussion revolved around sustainability, the establishment of R&D centers, ESG compliance, and the creation of value-added products within the PM MITRA parks.
The meeting also highlighted the efforts made by the seven state governments to provide a conducive ecosystem for textile manufacturing. Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh were acknowledged for their respective strengths in infrastructure, scheme benefits, and investor-friendly initiatives. This collaborative approach between the central and state governments aims to create a thriving textile industry and boost job creation.
To ensure the success of the PM MITRA Parks, two action teams were proposed during the interaction. These teams will focus on studying ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) norms and global best practices for park design, facilitating sustainable development and resource efficiency.
With an estimated investment of approximately ₹70,000 crore, the PM MITRA Parks are expected to create around 100,000 direct and 200,000 indirect jobs in each park. The parks will be developed through Public-Private Partnerships, encouraging private investment and participation in the textile sector.
The Ministry of Textiles, represented by Secretary Rachna Shah and other senior officials, engaged in discussions with industry representatives to further refine and promote the PM MITRA scheme. The event highlighted the immense potential of the textile industry in India and its role in driving economic growth and self-reliance.
As the textile sector gears up for transformative growth, the proposed dedicated Invest India desk and the development of PM MITRA Parks are poised to attract both domestic and foreign investments, fostering innovation, and creating a sustainable and globally competitive textile industry in India.