Context:
Recently, the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 15 States and Union Territories under the Textiles-focused Research, Assessment, Monitoring, Planning and Start-Up (Tex RAMPS) scheme. These agreements were formalised on the first day of the National Textiles Ministers’ Conference held in Guwahati, themed “India’s Textiles: Weaving Growth, Heritage & Innovation.”
About the Tex RAMPS Scheme:
Tex RAMPS is a Central Sector Scheme fully funded by the Ministry of Textiles and approved by the Government of India to strengthen the textiles and apparel sector through evidence-based policymaking, improved data systems, research, and innovation. It seeks to address long-standing gaps in sectoral data, research infrastructure, planning, monitoring, and capacity development.
Key Objectives of Tex RAMPS:
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- Drive Research and Innovation: Support sector-specific research to inform policy and enhance competitiveness.
- Data-Driven Planning: Enable real-time data collection and integrated statistical systems for informed decision-making.
- Strengthen Monitoring and Analytics: Promote performance tracking and advanced analytics for strategic policymaking.
- Promote Start-Ups and Innovation: Encourage start-ups, product innovation, and high-value manufacturing.
- Enhance Sectoral Capabilities: Build capacity across states, academia, and industry through collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- The total projected outlay for the scheme from FY 2026 to FY 2031 is ₹305 crore.
- Drive Research and Innovation: Support sector-specific research to inform policy and enhance competitiveness.
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Focus of the Agreements:
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- Cluster and District-Level Planning: Emphasises integrated planning for key segments such as handlooms, handicrafts, apparel, and technical textiles, with implementation targeted at the cluster and district levels.
- Cooperative Federalism: By engaging state governments, the initiative promotes cooperative federalism and strengthens Centre–State collaboration for sectoral growth.
- Cluster and District-Level Planning: Emphasises integrated planning for key segments such as handlooms, handicrafts, apparel, and technical textiles, with implementation targeted at the cluster and district levels.
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Financial Support:
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- State/UT Grants: Each participating State or Union Territory will receive an annual grant of ₹12 lakh to support scheme activities.
- District Action Grants: An additional ₹1 lakh per year per district will be provided for the development and implementation of district action plans.
- State/UT Grants: Each participating State or Union Territory will receive an annual grant of ₹12 lakh to support scheme activities.
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Implications for the Textile Sector:
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- The initiative will strengthen the evidence base for policymaking through improved data infrastructure and analytics, enabling more informed and responsive policies.
- By facilitating robust data insights and integrated planning, the scheme supports the government’s goal of building India’s textile industry into a $350 billion economy by 2030.
- Its district- and cluster-level focus aligns national strategies with local strengths, enhancing competitiveness and productivity.
- Strengthened data systems are also expected to address long-standing statistical gaps and enable real-time monitoring and evaluation.
- The initiative will strengthen the evidence base for policymaking through improved data infrastructure and analytics, enabling more informed and responsive policies.
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Conclusion:
The signing of MoUs under the Tex RAMPS scheme marks a significant step towards modernising the textile ecosystem through data-driven governance, integrated planning, research, and innovation. By partnering with states, the Ministry of Textiles aims to harness cooperative federalism and evidence-based policymaking, positioning India’s textile sector for sustainable growth, enhanced competitiveness, and global leadership in the coming decade.
