The Indian textile sector is facing challenges especially in the export market mainly due to uneven tariff and non-tariff barriers. It’s hoped GST will bring down input costs, give a boost to textile exports and bring in greater capital investment in the sector.

Many states do not have a dedicated textile minister. A well-coordinated cohesive governance approach will ensure more effective program implementation and sectoral outcomes. India’s positioning in international markets depends upon branding of Indian textile products. Branding of handloom products by involving top designers and retail giants in the country has led to a paradigm shift in the handloom sector. There is a proposal to brand ‘Eri’ silk as peace silk from the land of the Mahatma.

Capacity enhancement in the production of textile machinery in the country would address the challenges of industry such as cost of power and labor. Views and contributions of all states would be reflected in the new textile policy, so that India becomes the textile destination of the world.

The MoU between IGNOU and The National Institute of Open Schooling provides free, anytime, anywhere education to children of weavers and artisans. The Indian textile industry is extremely varied, with hand-spun and hand woven textiles at one end and capital intensive sophisticated mills at the other.