Samarth Scheme 2024-26: What’s New?

The Ministry of Textiles has announced the extension of the Samarth Scheme for an additional two years, covering FY 2024-25 and 2025-26. With a budget allocation of ₹495 crore, the program aims to equip 300,000 individuals with essential textile-related skills.

The objective of the Samarth Scheme

The primary goal of the Samarth Scheme is to promote employment opportunities in the organized textile sector through skill development initiatives. The program spans across the entire textile value chain, excluding spinning and weaving, ensuring both job creation and increased industry productivity.

Training Programs

The Samarth Scheme offers a wide range of training opportunities to keep up with industry trends and technological advances.

1. Entry-Level Training:
   Designed for new entrants, providing them with foundational skills in textile production.
2. Upskilling and Reskilling:
   Focuses on enhancing the capabilities of existing workers, particularly in apparel and garment manufacturing. This ensures they remain productive and efficient in a competitive environment.
3. Traditional Sector Support:
   A special focus is placed on workers from handloom, handicrafts, silk, and jute industries, safeguarding age-old textile traditions while aligning them with modern market demands.

Who Executes the Scheme?

The Samarth Scheme is implemented through a diverse network of partners, known as Implementing Partners (IPs), including:

• Private industry stakeholders from the textile sector.
• Government organizations at both the central and state levels.
• Sectoral agencies such as the Development Commissioners for Handlooms and Handicrafts and the Central Wool Development Board.

Achievements So Far

Since its inception, the Samarth Scheme has trained 327,000 individuals. Of these, 79.5% (260,000) have secured employment, reflecting the program’s high placement rate and relevance in the job market.

Empowering Women through Samarth

The scheme places significant emphasis on gender inclusivity. Out of the total trained candidates, 88.3% (289,000) are women, demonstrating the program’s commitment to boosting female participation in the textile workforce.

An Overview of the Samarth Scheme

The Samarth Scheme, launched in 2018, is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Textiles aimed at fostering skill development and entrepreneurship within the textile industry. The scheme supports diverse textile sectors, such as handloom, handicrafts, and jute, while providing market-oriented training to artisans and workers.

Key features include:

• Promoting sustainable livelihoods by encouraging entrepreneurship.
• Financial support for new business ventures in the textile sector.
• Collaboration with various partners to expand outreach and ensure smooth implementation.
• A focus on women’s empowerment, helping female artisans thrive.