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Budget 2026 Boosts Textiles for a 'Developed India by 2047', Launches Samarth 2.0

Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh hailed the 2026-27 budget as a comprehensive plan positioning textiles as a pillar for a developed India by 2047. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed an integrated programme featuring a National Fibre Scheme for self-reliance and a scheme to modernise traditional textile clusters. The budget also launches Samarth 2.0 to upgrade the skilling ecosystem in collaboration with industry and academia. A key infrastructure announcement is the proposal to set up a mega textile park to boost efficiency, value addition, and exports, particularly in technical textiles.

Key Points: Budget 2026-27: Textile Sector Gets Mega Park, Samarth 2.0 Scheme

  • Mega textile park proposed
  • Samarth 2.0 for modern skilling
  • National Fibre Scheme for self-reliance
  • Support for handlooms and artisans
2 min read

"A budget for a developed India by 2047": Giriraj Singh hails Samarth 2.0; increasing focus on textiles

Union Budget 2026-27 focuses on textiles with a mega park, Samarth 2.0 for skilling, and new schemes for fibres, clusters, and handlooms to drive growth.

"This is the budget for a developed India by 2047. - Giriraj Singh"

New Delhi, February 1

Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh on Sunday termed the Union Budget 2026-27 a comprehensive plan that prioritises the textile industry as a pillar for a developed India. The Minister highlighted that the government's consistent support has led to a significant increase in sectoral growth, positioning the sector at the forefront of the country's economic journey toward 2047.

Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh said, "This is a comprehensive and all-encompassing budget. As the Textile Minister, I can only say that this journey, started by PM Modi in 2014-15 from Rs 15-16 lakh, has now gone above Rs 53 lakh today, and the fiscal deficit is also 4.3.... The central government has prioritised textiles... This is the budget for a developed India by 2047."

Meanwhile, for the labour-intensive textile sector, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed an integrated programme with key components. The Minister emphasised that the first pillar of her plan, the National Fibre Scheme, aims to "achieve self-reliance in natural fibres like silk, wool, and jute, as well as man-made and new industrial-age fibres."

The second is the Textile Expansion and Employment Scheme, which seeks to modernise traditional clusters by providing capital support for machinery, technology upgrades, and common testing and certification centres.

The third component is the National Handloom and Handicraft Programme (NHHP), designed to integrate and strengthen existing schemes while ensuring targeted support for weavers and artisans.

With the introduction of Samarth 2.0, the government aims to align the workforce with future demands. To promote globally competent and sustainable textiles and apparel, Sitharaman said, "Samarth 2.0 is to modernise and upgrade the textile skilling ecosystem through collaboration with industry and academic institutions," ensuring that the next generation of workers is as tech-savvy as they are skilled.

Closing her remarks on the sector, the Finance Minister turned to large-scale infrastructure as the ultimate solution to improve efficiency. She envisioned a future in which production and value addition occur under one roof, reducing logistics costs and boosting exports.

To achieve this, she told the Parliament, "I propose to set up a mega textile park," further clarifying that "they can also focus on bringing value addition to technical textiles." This strategic focus on technical textiles--used in everything from healthcare to automotive industries--suggests a shift toward high-value manufacturing that could redefine India's role in the global market.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see a long-term vision. The mega textile park idea is smart to reduce logistics costs. But the real test is execution. We've seen schemes before. Need to ensure timely implementation and that MSMEs get easy access to the capital support mentioned.
A
Aditya G
Technical textiles are the future! Shifting from basic apparel to high-value manufacturing for healthcare and automotive is a brilliant strategic move. This can create high-quality jobs and reduce our import dependence. A solid step for 'Make in India'.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in sustainable fashion, I'm cautiously optimistic. The integration of schemes for handloom is good, but "sustainable textiles" needs clear parameters. Hope Samarth 2.0 includes training on eco-friendly dyes and waste management. The global market demands it.
K
Karthik V
The numbers show growth, which is positive. However, respectfully, I hope the focus on mega parks doesn't sideline the millions of small weavers and tailors across towns. The NHHP must be robust and well-funded. Our traditional crafts are a unique strength.
M
Meera T
Finally, a clear plan for textiles! The three-pillar approach covering fibres, clusters, and handlooms looks comprehensive. If done right, this can boost rural employment significantly. My mother is an artisan and getting timely payments and market access is key. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

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