Chief Secretary calls for industry-academia conclave, specialised training and research to strengthen the state’s technical textiles ecosystem
TFP Bureau, Raipur, September 2, 2026: Chhattisgarh is set to intensify efforts to promote technical textiles by strengthening research, innovation, industry linkages and skill development under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM).
A high-level review meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary was held at Mahanadi Bhawan, Nava Raipur, to discuss effective implementation of the mission in the state and explore opportunities for developing a stronger technical textiles ecosystem.
The Chief Secretary directed officials to organise a conference or conclave bringing together technical educational institutions and representatives of the textile and allied industries. The proposed platform will facilitate discussions on applications of technical textiles across sectors, schemes available under the NTTM and the emerging requirements of industry.
Emphasising stronger industry-academia collaboration, the Chief Secretary directed that students be provided training aligned with industry requirements. Initially, efforts will be made to provide industry-based training opportunities to 10 students from each participating technical institution.
The initiative is expected to give students hands-on exposure to the industrial applications of technical textiles while helping industries develop a pool of trained and skilled manpower.
Textile training centres planned in key districts
The meeting also discussed the possibility of developing Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into specialised textile training centres in a phased manner, particularly in areas with established handloom and textile activities.
In the first phase, institutions in Korba, Raigarh, Janjgir-Champa and Bilaspur will be encouraged to establish stronger linkages with local textile industries.
The state also plans to encourage universities and technical institutions to undertake application-oriented research, product development, testing, innovation and pilot projects in technical textiles.
Special focus will be placed on developing solutions suited to Chhattisgarh’s requirements in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, water management, healthcare, safety, environment, packaging and rural livelihoods.
Project Management Unit to coordinate mission activities
To ensure effective implementation of NTTM schemes, a Project Management Unit (PMU) will be established to coordinate between various departments, educational institutions and industries and monitor projects regularly.
The PMU will facilitate the submission of project proposals by technical institutions and industries, help refine proposals in accordance with NTTM guidelines and forward them to the Government of India for approval. It will also support the implementation and monitoring of sanctioned projects.
Until the PMU is established, a nodal officer from the Village Industries Department will coordinate technical textiles-related activities at the state level.
The meeting was attended by senior officials and experts from the Industries Department, Directorate of Technical Education, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Chhattisgarh Swami Vivekanand Technical University, IIT Bhilai, NIT Raipur, NIFT Raipur and the Handloom Department.
The initiatives are aimed at creating a stronger technical textiles ecosystem in Chhattisgarh by combining academic research, industrial expertise and skill development, while encouraging innovative applications of technical textiles across key sectors of the state economy.
