5 Years of National Technical Textiles Mission

India’s textile industry plays a crucial role in the national economy and has evolved into a hub of innovation. The country ranks as the 6th largest textile exporter globally, holding a 3.9% share in world textile exports. Contributing nearly 2% to the GDP, the sector is projected to expand to $350 billion by 2030, generating approximately 3.5 crore jobs. While traditional textiles remain fundamental, the rise of technical textiles is transforming the industry. These specialized fabrics prioritize functionality over aesthetics and are categorized into 12 types, serving diverse industries such as agriculture, healthcare, construction, and safety.

To accelerate this sector’s growth, the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) was launched in 2020, with a budget of Rs. 1,480 crore for 2020-2026. The mission aims to strengthen research, boost exports, foster skill development, and position India as a global leader in technical textiles.

Framework for the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)

Four key components of NTTM

Component I – Research, Innovation, and Development

• Focuses on research and innovation in technical textiles.
• Supports R&D projects to develop new materials and technologies.
• 168 research projects worth Rs. 509 crore have been approved.

Component II – Promotion and Market Development

• Encourages the adoption of technical textiles in various industries.
• Strengthens market linkages through trade shows, exhibitions, and global collaborations.

Component III – Export Promotion

• Aims to enhance India’s exports of technical textiles.
• Works through a dedicated Export Promotion Council to boost international trade.

Component IV – Education, Training, and Skill Development

• Develops skill-training programs to create a skilled workforce.
• 50,000 individuals are being trained in technical textiles.
• Promotes specialized courses in technical textiles across educational institutes.
• Since its launch, Rs. 517 crore has been allocated, with Rs. 393.39 crore utilized for research, market development, exports, and skill development.

NTTM Initiatives Strengthening the Textile Industry

1. Grant for Internship Support for Technical Textiles (GIST 2.0)

• Provides hands-on learning opportunities for students and professionals.
• Enhances industry-academia collaboration to foster innovation.
• Supports the ‘Make in India’ initiative by promoting indigenous production.

2. Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT) Scheme

• Launched in August 2023 to support commercialization of new textile technologies.
• 8 startups have received Rs. 50 lakh each for innovations in medical, industrial, and protective textiles.
• IIT Indore and NIT Patna have received Rs. 6.5 crore to introduce specialized courses.

3. Skill Development Programs

• Targets training of 50,000 individuals in the field of technical textiles.
• Offers 12 industry-focused courses in collaboration with leading textile research associations like SITRA, NITRA, and SASMIRA.

4. Technotex 2024 (Bharat Tex 2024)

• Showcased India’s advancements in technical textiles.
• Featured an Innovation Zone with 71 cutting-edge projects, including 48 prototypes and 23 informative posters.

Success Stories in Technical Textiles

1. Mahina: India’s First Leak-Proof Period Underwear

• Developed by Eicher Goodearth, Mahina is a bonded, leak-proof period underwear offering 12-hour protection.
• Made from natural materials, it provides comfort and reusability for up to 100 washes, eliminating the need for pads or tampons.

2. Tamil Nadu’s Push for Technical Textiles

• The state government has prioritized the industry through the PM MITRA Park in Virudhunagar and a new textile park in Salem.
• Increased capital subsidies for technical textile investments to 6% from 2%, promoting modernization and machinery upgrades.