Inaugurating the sixth edition of international textile and apparel fair, Vastra-2017, at Jaipur, Smriti Irani, Textile Minister, said that concerted efforts were being made for creating employment opportunities in the textile sector. “The government is providing skilling opportunities as well as incentives to give an impetus to the textile industry,†she said.
The textile industry in the country is growing exponentially with the foreign direct investment having tripled in the last three years. Though FDI had touched $618.95 million in 2016-17, there is still a huge potential for further growth, Irani said.
The textile sector employs the second largest workforce in the country, with 4.5 crore people directly getting livelihood from it and 2 crore people being indirectly employed. The Union Minister praised the Rajasthan Government’s efforts to create a garment hub in the State. She said the Jaipur Designers Festival being held in Vastra-2017 for the first time would provide the younger generation with an exposure to the world of fashion and designing.