Tex-RAMPS Scheme: A New Era for India's Textile Sector

Tex-RAMPS Scheme: A Boost for India's Textile Sector

The Union Government has recently approved the Tex-RAMPS Scheme, which stands for Textiles Focused Research, Assessment, Monitoring, Planning and Start-up. This initiative is set to significantly enhance India's textile sector, a vital contributor to the nation's economy.

Importance of the Textile Sector

India's textile and apparel industry is one of the oldest and most crucial sectors in the country. It contributes over 2% to India’s GDP and nearly 11% to the industrial output. Additionally, it accounts for around 13% of total export earnings, employing more than 45 million workers, making it the second-largest employer after agriculture.

The sector's strength lies in its integrated value chain, spanning from fibre production to the manufacturing of apparel and home textiles. India is a global leader in producing cotton, jute, silk, and polyester, and it excels in home furnishings and garment manufacturing.

Challenges Facing the Textile Sector

• Slow adoption of advanced technologies.
• Limited research and development capacity.
• Lack of an integrated data and analytics ecosystem.
• Fragmented supply chains.
• Increased global competition from countries like China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.

Overview of the Tex-RAMPS Scheme

The Tex-RAMPS Scheme, with an outlay of Rs. 305 crore, will be implemented from 2025 to 2031. Its primary goal is to enhance innovation capacity, improve data systems, and boost the global competitiveness of India's textile sector.

Aims and Vision of Tex-RAMPS

Tex-RAMPS is a forward-looking initiative aimed at addressing structural gaps in India’s textile value chain. The scheme will integrate research, data, and innovation, positioning India as a leader in sustainability, technology, and competitiveness.

• Build a robust national ecosystem for textile research and innovation.
• Enhance evidence-based policymaking through advanced data systems.
• Promote sustainability and efficiency across the value chain.
• Foster high-value textile start-ups and entrepreneurship.
• Strengthen collaboration between states, academia, industry, and government.

Key Components of the Tex-RAMPS Scheme

Several essential components characterize the Tex-RAMPS Scheme:

• Research and Innovation Development: Promoting advanced research in smart textiles and sustainability.
• Data and Analytics Systems: Establishing a real-time textile data ecosystem for informed decision-making.
• Integrated Textiles Statistical System (ITSS): A centralized data platform for continuous monitoring and strategic planning.
• Capacity Development: Strengthening state-level planning units and sharing best practices.
• Start-up Support: Encouraging entrepreneurship through various support initiatives.

Expected Outcomes of Tex-RAMPS

The Tex-RAMPS Scheme aims to achieve significant long-term benefits, including:

• Enhanced global competitiveness of India’s textile industries.
• A stronger research and innovation ecosystem.
• Improved quality and productivity.
• More accurate, data-driven policies.
• Increased employment opportunities.

Industry leaders believe that the Tex-RAMPS Scheme will strengthen the innovation ecosystem, promote promising start-ups, and deepen the quality culture in the textile sector.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the Tex-RAMPS Scheme?
Answer: The Tex-RAMPS Scheme is a government initiative aimed at enhancing innovation and competitiveness in India’s textile sector through research, data systems, and support for start-ups.

Q2. What are the main objectives of Tex-RAMPS?
Answer: The main objectives include building a national ecosystem for textile innovation, promoting sustainability, and strengthening evidence-based policymaking.

Q3. How will Tex-RAMPS benefit employment in the textile sector?
Answer: By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, Tex-RAMPS is expected to create new job opportunities and enhance workforce skills in the textile industry.

Q4. What challenges does the textile sector face?
Answer: Key challenges include slow technology adoption, limited R&D capacity, fragmented supply chains, and rising competition from other countries.

Q5. When will the Tex-RAMPS Scheme be implemented?
Answer: The Tex-RAMPS Scheme is set to be implemented from 2025 to 2031 with an allocated budget of Rs. 305 crore.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the budget allocated for the Tex-RAMPS Scheme?
A) Rs. 205 crore
B) Rs. 305 crore
C) Rs. 405 crore
D) Rs. 505 crore
Correct Answer: B