PM Modi Inaugurates PM Mitra Park in Dhar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM Mitra) Park in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, marking a significant step in revitalising India’s textile sector. The launch was coupled with a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of Maheshwari sarees, rooted in the vision of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering artisans, weavers, and women in rural India.

PM Mitra Park: A Textile Powerhouse in the Making

The PM Mitra scheme, announced earlier by the central government, aims to establish seven integrated textile parks across India. These parks are designed to strengthen India’s textile value chain by bringing together spinning, weaving, processing, designing, and garment production under one roof.

The newly inaugurated PM Mitra Park in Dhar will,

• Function as a self-contained textile ecosystem
• Support spinning, dyeing, designing, processing, and exports
• Facilitate cotton (kapas) and silk (resham) availability at one location
• Offer quality checks and market expansion opportunities for local producers
• Enhance India’s competitiveness in the global textile market

This is expected to create thousands of employment opportunities, particularly for rural and semi-urban youth in Madhya Pradesh.

Cultural Significance: Legacy of Maheshwari Sarees Revived

The cultural roots of the textile hub, recalling how Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, the queen of Malwa, had inspired artisans to weave the first Maheshwari saree based on fort architecture of Maheshwar. Linked the inauguration of the textile park with a continuation of her vision.

Maheshwari sarees, known for their unique patterns and lightweight texture, have gained global appreciation. Reviving this craft within a modern industrial hub,

• Encourages artisanal revival
• Promotes Make in India
• Connects traditional weavers with national and international markets

The park thus bridges heritage and innovation, allowing Madhya Pradesh’s rich weaving tradition to thrive in a modern, scalable framework.

Economic and Social Impact

The Dhar textile park is projected to bring significant economic upliftment to the region,

• Farmers will benefit through fair cotton pricing
• Weavers and artisans will gain access to better infrastructure
• Exports are expected to increase through dedicated processing units
• Investors are being encouraged to set up textile-based industries in the region

Furthermore, this initiative aligns with India’s broader goal of reducing textile imports and making India a global textile hub.

Key Facts

• Location: Dhar District, Madhya Pradesh
• Scheme: PM Mitra Park (PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel)
• Historical Figure Honoured: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar