The findings and recommendations of the INDIAsize programme have been finished and will be formally launched soon, according to a senior source in the textiles ministry. The move will pave the way for the Indian sector to work on developing standard sizes customised to Indian body shapes, they added.

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Rachna Shah, Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles, told PTI, "This is a very extensive study that's been carried out for sizing in the Indian market. The findings and recommendations have been finalised and shortly we will hopefully be able to make a formal launch so that the Indian Industry can start working on the size to make apparel garments more suited to the Indian population."

Among other highlights for the ministry will be the Bharat Tex 2024 — a global textile expo that will be held in the capital from February 26-29, where over 3,500 exhibitors and more than 3,000 overseas buyers are expected to participate.

She said that the expo is anticipated to bring together stakeholders from across the textile value chain, including representatives from government and business. 

The major event will give India with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to promote itself as a global sourcing and investment destination.

Talking about the various initiatives of the Ministry of Textiles, she said a "Centre of Sustainable Fashion Technology" is proposed to be established to promote capacity building and research in sustainability.

She also informed that the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) will introduce a five-year integrated Masters Programme titled "Crafting Luxury; Restoration and Curation of Textiles and Fashion; Event and Experience Design" from the 2024-25 academic session in select campuses.

She informed, "An integrated masters programme is being introduced from this year on luxury on restoration of textiles and fashion. The duration of the course will be five years and it will cover the Bachelors and Masters. NIFT currently offers 4 years Bachelors degree programmes and a two-year Masters degree." 

She said the process of forming a special purpose vehicle between the Centre and the states, where the parks are being established, is currently underway.

"Almost 3 lakh jobs in each park are likely to be created and about Rs 10,000 crore of investment in each park with focus on cutting edge technology and ease of doing business," Shah said.

On the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) for Man Made Fibre (MMF) and Apparel, she said 64 companies are participating in the scheme, of which 30 firms have made considerable progress and expect to begin production from this year.

"It is estimated that over a period of five years, the PLI scheme for textiles will lead to fresh investment of more than Rs 19,000 crore, cumulative turnover of over Rs 3 lakh crore will be achieved and will create additional employment opportunities of more than 7.5 lakh jobs in this sector and several lakhs more for supporting activities "The textiles industry predominantly employs women, therefore, the scheme will empower women and increase their participation in formal economy," the Textiles Ministry had said earlier.

(With Agency Inputs)