SAMARTH Scheme : Textile Sector for PCS and Its Role in Strengthening

SAMARTH Scheme and Its Role in Strengthening the Textile Sector for PCS

The SAMARTH Scheme, or Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector, is a flagship initiative by the Indian government under the Ministry of Textiles. Its primary aim is to address the skill gaps in the textile industry while promoting inclusive growth and sustainable employment opportunities. For PCS (Public Service Commission) aspirants, understanding the nuances of this scheme and its implications for the textile sector for PCS exams is crucial.

This blog delves into the objectives, implementation, achievements, and relevance of the SAMARTH Scheme in the context of economic development and government policies.

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The Need for the SAMARTH Scheme

The Indian textile sector is the second-largest employer after agriculture, contributing significantly to GDP, export earnings, and rural livelihoods. However, the industry faces challenges such as:

• Lack of skilled labor
• Outdated technologies
• Low productivity
• Regional disparities in employment opportunities

To overcome these hurdles, the SAMARTH Scheme was launched in 2017 as part of the government’s Skill India Mission. The scheme aims to provide industry-relevant skills to unemployed youth, especially from marginalized sections, thereby boosting the textile sector for PCS and the overall economy.

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Objectives of the SAMARTH Scheme

1. Skill Development: Equip workers with industry-relevant skills for various sub-sectors, including spinning, weaving, knitting, and garment production.
2. Promote Inclusivity: Focus on women, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and economically weaker sections.
3. Increase Employability: Bridge the skill gap to meet the growing demand for trained manpower.
4. Sustainable Growth: Modernize production techniques and foster innovation in the textile industry.

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Key Features of the SAMARTH Scheme

1. Training Coverage:
   • Targets sectors like handlooms, handicrafts, sericulture, and jute.
   • Focuses on training 10 lakh individuals by 2024.
2. Technology Integration:
   • Uses advanced tools like e-learning modules and virtual reality for effective training.
   • Includes monitoring through the Management Information System (MIS) portal.
3. Partnership Model:
   • Collaborates with state governments, industry partners, and training institutions.
   • Empowers local communities by establishing training centers in textile hubs.
4. Certification and Placement:
   • Offers National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF)-aligned certificates.
   • Guarantees placements for at least 70% of trained individuals.

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Implementation Strategy

1. State and Industry Partnership: The scheme is implemented in partnership with state governments and industry associations, ensuring region-specific training needs are addressed.
2. Cluster-Based Approach: Establishes training hubs in textile clusters such as Surat, Tirupur, and Varanasi.
3. Assessment and Certification: Post-training assessments ensure that candidates meet industry standards, making them job-ready.

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Achievements of the SAMARTH Scheme

1. Employment Generation:
   • Trained over 2.5 lakh individuals, with many placed in reputable textile companies.
   • Created sustainable livelihoods for women and marginalized communities.
2. Focus on Women Empowerment:
   • Over 70% of the beneficiaries are women, enhancing their financial independence.
3. Regional Development:
   • Strengthened textile hubs in states like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.
4. Technological Upgradation:
   • Encouraged the adoption of modern techniques, improving productivity and quality in the textile industry.

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Relevance of SAMARTH Scheme in Strengthening the Textile Sector for PCS

1. Economic Growth:
   • The textile sector contributes approximately 2% to India’s GDP and 12% to export earnings.
   • The SAMARTH Scheme ensures a skilled workforce, enhancing the sector’s global competitiveness.
2. Social Empowerment:
   • Focuses on inclusivity by empowering women and marginalized communities, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
3. Environmental Sustainability:
   • Promotes eco-friendly production techniques and the use of sustainable materials.
4. Policy Alignment:
   • Complements other initiatives like the PM-MITRA Scheme, which focuses on establishing textile parks.

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How to Study SAMARTH Scheme for Textile Sector for PCS

1. Refer to Official Documents:
   • Study the scheme details from the Ministry of Textiles website.
   • Use the Annual Report of the Ministry of Textiles for updated statistics and progress.
2. Current Affairs Analysis:
   • Follow portals like PIB and SleepyClasses for recent developments.
   • Analyze its impact on employment and exports.
3. Integrate with Related Topics:
   • Link the scheme with other initiatives like Make in India, Skill India Mission, and PM-MITRA.
4. Practice Answer Writing:
   • Frame answers using a multidimensional approach, incorporating social, economic, and environmental aspects.

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Resources for Studying SAMARTH Scheme in Textile Sector for PCS

1. Government Sources:
   • Ministry of Textiles
   • Skill India Portal
2. Educational Platforms:
   • Sleepy Classes: Provides in-depth courses on government schemes.
   • BYJU’s IAS: Offers notes and videos on schemes.
3. Reports and Publications:
   • National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) reports
   • Economic Survey chapters on employment and textiles
4. External References:
   • Wikipedia on Indian Textiles
   • ILO Reports: Insights into labor market trends in India.

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Integrating SAMARTH Scheme in Textile Sector for PCS Answers

1. Introduction:
   • Define the scheme and its objectives briefly. For example: “The SAMARTH Scheme is a transformative initiative aimed at addressing skill gaps and promoting inclusivity in the textile sector.”
2. Body:
   • Discuss its implementation, achievements, and challenges.
   • Include case studies or success stories, such as women beneficiaries in Gujarat.
3. Conclusion:
   • Highlight the scheme’s role in achieving the SDGs and its alignment with India’s vision of becoming a global textile hub.

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Conclusion

The SAMARTH Scheme is a cornerstone initiative that strengthens the backbone of India’s textile industry. By addressing skill gaps and promoting inclusivity, the scheme ensures sustainable growth and enhances the sector’s global competitiveness. For PCS aspirants, understanding the scheme’s objectives, achievements, and relevance is crucial for answering questions on economic development and government policies for Textile Sector for PCS.

By integrating resources from platforms like Sleepy Classes and analyzing updates from PIB, candidates can develop a nuanced understanding of the Textile Sector for PCS exams.