Lok Sabha Question No. 404 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-22
Subject: Increase Assam Share of Textile Product Exports
Ministry: TEXTILES
Asked by: Md. Rakibul Hussain

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 404 TO BE ANSWERED ON 22.07.2025

## INCREASE ASSAM SHARE OF TEXTILE PRODUCT EXPORTS

## 404. MD. RAKIBUL HUSSAIN:

Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंत्री be pleased to state :

- (a)  the  initiatives  are  being  taken  to  increase  Assam's  share  of  textile  product  exports  in  the  global market, considering its potential to export unique items like Assam silk and handloom fabrics;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  has  any  proposal  to  strengthen  international  trade  agreements  to  benefit Assam's textile producers and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  prepared  marketing  and  branding  to  boost  global  recognition  and demand for Assam's textile products and if so, the details thereof?

## उत्तर ANSWER

## वस्त्र मंत्री ( श्री गिररराज स ंह )

## MINISTER OF TEXTILES (SHRI GIRIRAJ SINGH)

(a) to (c): The  Government  of  India  has  taken  several  key  initiatives  to  increase  the  share  of  the Indian textile industry, including Assam's textile sector, in the global market.

In  the  silk  sector,  initiatives  such  as  conferring Geographical Indication (GI) status  to Muga silk  of Assam and obtaining OEKO-TEX certification from  Germany  for Eri silk  have  been  undertaken  to promote exports in international markets.

The  Government  is  implementing  the Rebate  of  State  and  Central  Taxes  and  Levies  (RoSCTL) scheme for apparel/garments and made-ups, with the objective of enhancing export competitiveness by adopting  the  principle  of  zero-rated  exports.  Further,  textile  products  not  covered  under  the  RoSCTL scheme  are  included  under  the Remission  of  Duties  and  Taxes  on  Exported  Products  (RoDTEP) scheme, along with other eligible products.

India has signed 14  Free  Trade  Agreements  (FTAs) & 6  Preferential  Trade  Agreements (PTAs) and concluded the F.T.A . with U.K. recently. These FTAs aim to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, simplify procedures, and address structural issues to make Indian exports more competitive in partner markets.

The Government also provides financial support to various Export Promotion Councils (e.g., ISEPC for  silk  and HEPC for  handlooms) and trade bodies engaged in the promotion of textile and garment exports, for organizing and participating in trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer-seller meets, etc., at national and international levels.

The Ministry has supported Export Promotion Councils/Associations in organizing a global mega textile event - Bharat TEX 2025 ,  to  showcase  the  strength  of  the  Indian  textile  value  chain,  highlight  the latest advancements and innovations in the textile and fashion industry, and position India as the most preferred destination for sourcing and investment in the textile sector.

The Ministry  of  Textiles ,  through  the Office  of  the  Development  Commissioner  (Handlooms) , promotes  handloom  products  across  the  country,  including  Assam,  by  implementing  the  following schemes:

1. National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP)
2. Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS)

Under the above schemes, financial assistance is provided to eligible handloom agencies and weavers for procurement of raw materials, upgraded looms and accessories, solar lighting units, construction of work sheds,  skill  development,  product  and  design  development,  technical  and  common  infrastructure, marketing  of  handloom  products  in  domestic  and  international  markets,  concessional  loans  under  the Weavers' MUDRA Scheme, social security, etc.

Assistance  is  also  provided  for  establishing  international  marketing  linkages  to  suitable  apex/primary handloom cooperative societies, corporations, producer companies, handloom awardees, exporters, and other talented weavers producing exclusive exportable handloom products.

Export promotion is supported through participation in international fairs, exhibitions, big-ticket events, Buyer-Seller  Meets  (BSMs),  Reverse  Buyer-Seller  Meets  (RBSMs),  and  other  marketing  initiatives. Publicity  and  brand  development  are  undertaken  through India Handloom Brand (IHB) , Handloom Mark (HLM) , and related measures.

The Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS) is  implemented  nationwide  to  ensure  the  availability  of yarn to handloom weavers. Under this scheme, freight charges are reimbursed for all types of yarn, and a 15% price subsidy is provided for cotton hank yarn, domestic silk, wool, linen yarn, and blended yarns made from natural fibres.

Similarly,  for  the  handicrafts  sector,  the Office  of  the  Development  Commissioner  (Handicrafts) implements two major schemes: the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) and the Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster  Development  Scheme  (CHCDS) for  the  holistic  development and promotion of handicrafts across the country. Under these schemes, need-based financial assistance is provided  for  end-to-end  support  to  artisans,  covering  marketing  events,  skill  development,  cluster development, formation of producer companies, direct benefit transfers to artisans , infrastructure and technology  support,  research  and  development,  digitization,  branding,  and  marketing  of  handicraft products  in  both  domestic  and  international  markets  -  benefitting  traditional  crafts  and  artisans throughout the country, including those in Assam.

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