Transforming India’s Textile Industry through NTTM
Celebrating 5 Years of NTTM: India’s Advancement in Technical Textiles and Innovation Excellence: Launched in 2020 by the Ministry of Textiles, the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) has been a game-changer for India’s textile sector. With a total outlay of ₹1,480 crore, the mission has repositioned India as a growing force in the functional and technical fabrics segment. These textiles are designed for applications beyond clothing—such as healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and defence—and are helping India diversify its global textile offerings. The industry, which contributes 2% to India’s GDP, now holds the 6th rank globally in textile exports.
Driving Innovation, Exports, and Workforce Upskilling
In five years, the NTTM has funded 168 R&D projects worth ₹509 crore, focusing on materials like geo-textiles, medical fabrics, agro-textiles, and safety wear. The mission also launched a dedicated Export Promotion Council to expand India’s global outreach. On the human capital front, over 50,000 professionals have received specialized training under this initiative, while premier institutes such as IIT Indore and NIT Patna received support to develop new technical programs. The GREAT Scheme has further fueled innovation, offering ₹50 lakh each to 8 tech startups developing market-ready solutions.
Bridging Academia and Industry: GIST 2.0 & Technotex 2024
The GIST 2.0 internship programme has provided students with hands-on industry exposure, aligning them with the ‘Make in India’ framework. Meanwhile, the Technotex 2024 expo showcased 71 path-breaking innovations, including “Mahina” – a reusable, leak-proof period underwear that marked India’s first in sustainable menstrual hygiene wear. The platform has proven to be a launchpad for both grassroots solutions and export-ready products.
Tamil Nadu Sets the Pace in Regional Textile Development
Tamil Nadu has emerged as a leader in the technical textile revolution with major policy and infrastructure support. The state is home to a PM MITRA Mega Textile Park in Virudhunagar and an upcoming facility in Salem. To encourage investment in this high-growth area, the state increased capital subsidies for technical textile machinery from 2% to 6%. These moves have attracted new enterprises, especially in rural and semi-urban textile zones, spurring job creation and technology adoption.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
Celebrating 5 Years of NTTM: India’s Advancement in Technical Textiles and Innovation Excellence:
| Category | Details |
| Mission Name | National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) |
| Implementing Ministry | Ministry of Textiles, Government of India |
| Launch Year | 2020 |
| Total Budget | ₹1,480 crore (till 2026) |
| India’s Global Export Rank | 6th |
| Share in Global Market | 3.9% |
| GDP Contribution | 2% from the textile sector |
| Approved R&D Projects | 168 projects worth ₹509 crore |
| Skill Training Output | Over 50,000 individuals trained |
| Export Promotion | Council set up under NTTM |
| Flagship Schemes | GIST 2.0, GREAT, Technotex 2024 |
| Innovative Product Highlight | “Mahina” – sustainable menstrual underwear |
| Tamil Nadu’s Role | PM MITRA Park, 6% subsidy for technical textile investment |
