The National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) was launched by the Government of India in 2020 to boost the technical textiles sector. Technical textiles are engineered fabrics designed for specific applications, including healthcare, defense, agriculture, and infrastructure. The mission aims to position India as a global leader in this industry while promoting innovation, research, and sustainability.
Objectives and Key Features of the Mission
The mission was launched with an outlay of ₹1,480 crore for a period of four years (2020-2024). It focuses on:
- Research and Innovation: Encouraging R&D in technical textiles through academic and industry collaboration.
- Market Development: Expanding the domestic and international market for technical textiles.
- Skill Development: Enhancing the technical skills of workers in this sector.
- Export Promotion: Increasing India’s global share in technical textile exports.
- Sustainability and Compliance: Encouraging eco-friendly production processes.
Achievements in the Last Five Years
- Increase in Market Size: India’s technical textile market grew from ₹92,000 crore in 2020 to ₹1.16 lakh crore in 2024.
- Boost in Exports: India’s exports of technical textiles rose by 30% due to policy support and incentives.
- Research Projects: Over 75 research projects have been sanctioned under the mission to develop innovative technical textile solutions.
- PLI Scheme Support: The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the textile sector has further strengthened manufacturing capabilities.
- Infrastructure Development: New testing and certification centers have been established to ensure quality standards.
Why This News is Important?
1. Strengthening India’s Economy
The National Technical Textiles Mission is a crucial step toward strengthening India’s manufacturing sector and increasing exports. This aligns with the government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.
2. Employment Generation
The growth in the technical textiles industry has led to job creation, especially in research, manufacturing, and logistics.
3. Enhanced Global Competitiveness
India aims to compete with global leaders like China and the USA in technical textile exports. The mission ensures that India is equipped with world-class infrastructure and R&D capabilities.
Historical Context: Evolution of Technical Textiles in India
Technical textiles have been a part of India’s textile sector for decades. However, the structured push for growth started in 2015 with the launch of policies promoting technical textiles. The Ministry of Textiles established the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Technical Textiles to boost innovation. The sector gained further importance with the 2020 National Technical Textiles Mission, marking a shift towards research-driven, high-value textile production.
Key Takeaways from 5 Years of NTTM
| Sr. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | The National Technical Textiles Mission was launched in 2020 with a budget of ₹1,480 crore. |
| 2 | India’s technical textile market grew significantly, reaching ₹1.16 lakh crore in 2024. |
| 3 | Exports of technical textiles increased by 30% in five years. |
| 4 | Over 75 research projects were funded under the mission to enhance innovation. |
| 5 | The mission supports India’s self-reliance and global competitiveness in the textile industry. |
FAQs Related to the National Technical Textiles Mission
1. What are technical textiles?
Technical textiles are specially designed textiles used in industries like healthcare, defense, agriculture, and infrastructure.
2. When was the National Technical Textiles Mission launched?
The mission was launched in February 2020 for a period of four years (2020-2024).
3. What is the budget allocated for this mission?
The government allocated ₹1,480 crore for the mission.
4. How has the mission impacted exports?
India’s exports of technical textiles increased by 30% due to the mission’s support and policies.
5. What are some key focus areas of the mission?
The mission focuses on research, market development, skill training, sustainability, and exports.
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