The textile and apparel sector of India, including handicrafts, has witnessed significant growth over the past few years. The exports increased from ₹2,33,304 crore in 2020–21 to ₹3,19,573 crore in 2024–25, registering a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.2 percent despite prevailing global economic challenges.
The Government of India has undertaken several key initiatives to strengthen the textile sector and enhance its global competitiveness. Major schemes include the PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks Scheme aimed at developing world-class infrastructure, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme focusing on man-made fibre (MMF) fabrics, apparel, and technical textiles to boost large-scale manufacturing. Additionally, the National Technical Textiles Mission promotes research, innovation, and market development, while SAMARTH ensures demand-driven skill development in the sector.
Further, schemes such as Silk Samagra-2 and the National Handloom Development Programme provide comprehensive support to the sericulture and handloom sectors. The Government also promotes handicrafts through the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) and the Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS), offering end-to-end assistance including skill development, marketing, infrastructure, digitization, and branding support to artisans across the country.
To enhance export competitiveness, the Government implements the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme for garments and made-ups, while other textile products are covered under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme. These measures ensure zero-rated exports and reduce cost burdens on exporters.
Under NHDP and CHCDS, financial assistance during FY 2025–26 (up to February 2026) has been sanctioned to various states, including ₹7.24 crore to Telangana, ₹24.69 crore to North Eastern states, and ₹7.25 crore to Gujarat, supporting the development of handicrafts clusters and artisan welfare.
The Government has also extended substantial support to the handloom sector through schemes such as the National Handloom Development Programme and the Raw Material Supply Scheme. These initiatives provide assistance for raw materials, upgraded looms, solar lighting, skill development, design innovation, infrastructure, marketing, and social security. As per data (page 2 of the document), thousands of weavers have benefited from skill upgradation programmes, marketing events, and financial inclusion schemes like PMJJBY and PMSBY across Telangana, North Eastern states, and Gujarat.
State-wise export performance indicates that Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh continue to be leading contributors to textile exports, while several other states have also shown consistent participation. Detailed export data (pages 3–4) highlights the widespread contribution of states and union territories in strengthening India’s textile export ecosystem.
This information was provided by the Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on March 24, 2026.
The Press Release can be accessed at: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2244418®=3&lang=1
