Union Budget's Textile Sector Package Promises Major Boost for Rajasthan's Manufacturing Hubs
The Union Budget's announcement of a comprehensive package for the textile sector, featuring Mega Textile Parks and various supportive schemes, is set to significantly benefit Rajasthan, a state already recognized as a powerhouse in spinning, weaving, and garment manufacturing. The allocation of these parks through a challenge mode positions Rajasthan as a strong contender, promising to attract large-scale investment, create modern facilities, and open new opportunities in export-oriented production.
Direct Impact on Rajasthan's Textile Hubs
According to Rajneesh Bhandari, vice chairman of CII Rajasthan, initiatives like the new Mega Textile Parks and the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj program will directly boost the textile sector in Rajasthan. He emphasized that this will particularly benefit the Bhilwara textile hub by focusing on modernization, skill development, and export growth. The Textile Expansion and Employment Scheme, announced in the Budget, offers capital support for machinery, technology upgradation, and common testing facilities, which can help regions like Bhilwara and Jaipur's garment hubs modernize looms and adopt energy-efficient technologies.
Enhancing Competitiveness and Job Creation
Bhandari further noted that leveraging these schemes will enable Rajasthan to meet international quality standards, directly boosting competitiveness and creating jobs. A key highlight is the National Fibre Scheme, aimed at achieving self-reliance in natural fibres such as silk, wool, and jute, alongside man-made and new-age fibres. This initiative is expected to benefit Rajasthan's cotton-rich belts in Bhilwara, Hanumangarh, Sriganganagar, and Chittorgarh by generating demand for raw materials and supporting diversification into high-demand technical textiles in global markets.
Support for Artisans and Traditional Crafts
Equally significant is the National Handloom and Handicraft Programme, which will integrate existing schemes to provide targeted support for artisans. This program is poised to benefit Rajasthan's well-known crafts, including Bandhani, block printing, blue pottery, and Usta art, by offering assistance, better branding, and global market linkages, as highlighted by a local fabric manufacturer.
Modernizing Skilling and Industry Collaboration
The finance minister also proposed Samarth 2.0, an initiative to modernize skilling through industry-academia collaboration. This aims to create a talent pipeline for both traditional clusters and the upcoming Mega Textile Parks, ensuring a skilled workforce to support the sector's growth and innovation.
Overall, the Union Budget's textile package represents a strategic move to strengthen Rajasthan's position in the textile industry, driving economic growth, employment, and global competitiveness through targeted investments and supportive policies.
