Stitching Success: Samarth Scheme Weaves 3.2 Lakh Job Stories Across India

Image Source: Ifab Media

India’s flagship Samarth scheme for skill development in textiles has achieved a major milestone, with 3.20 lakh beneficiaries securing job placements to date, according to the Ministry of Textiles. The scheme, which has trained 4.32 lakh individuals so far, stands out for its transformative impact on women’s empowerment and inclusive workforce development.

Key Highlights:

Unprecedented Women’s Participation: Over 88% of those placed under Samarth are women, underscoring the scheme’s role in driving gender-inclusive growth across textile sub-sectors such as handloom, handicraft, jute, and silk. Beneficiaries report improved livelihoods, economic independence, and increased participation in the formal workforce.
Nationwide Reach: Samarth’s training and placement programs extend from Jammu & Kashmir to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, making skill development accessible in both urban and remote regions.
Industry-Driven, Placement-Oriented: The scheme’s demand-driven approach ensures alignment with industry needs, covering the entire textile value chain (except spinning and weaving). Industry partners and NGOs collaborate to deliver hands-on training and facilitate direct employment.
Government’s Vision: Union Minister Giriraj Singh, after interacting with beneficiaries and industry leaders, highlighted the textile sector’s crucial role as a top employment generator and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernizing infrastructure, fostering innovation, and supporting entrepreneurship.
Challenges and Opportunities: While stakeholders praised Samarth’s success, they also called for enhanced training infrastructure, better industry alignment, and ongoing upskilling to meet evolving global market demands.

The Samarth scheme is now recognized as a cornerstone of India’s Skill India Mission—empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and propelling India toward global textile leadership.

Sources: PIB, IANS, Devdiscourse, VisionIAS