The textile and apparel industry is one of the oldest industries established in India. This industry contributes 5% to the country’s GDP and is responsible for 12% of India’s total export earnings. India has been able to achieve this immense growth due to the availability of the labour force.

Despite the labour force availability, India faced a gap in engaging ‘skilled labours’ in the textile and apparel industry. The earlier production methods relied heavily on manual practices. However, the new age demand and usage of technology created a void of skilled labour. Subsequently, to increase the supply of skilled labour, the Government of India launched Samarth Scheme.

Want to know about this scheme in detail? Read along!

The Ministry of Textile has introduced a Scheme for Capacity Building in the Textile Sectors (SCBTS) which will be known as Samarth Scheme.

The Government launched this scheme to transform the unskilled labour force into a skilled one and engage them in different sectors. These sectors include knitting, processing, garment and other unorganized sectors, including handloom, carpet, jute, silk and many others.

Samarth Scheme targets 10 lakh youth and aims to train them for a period of three years (2017-2018 and 2019-2020).

Now that the definition of Samarth Scheme is clear to individuals, let's learn about the objective, features and benefits of availing the scheme.

The Samarth Scheme is designed to empower and uplift the textile sector by enhancing the skills of workers and improving industry standards. The main objectives of Samarth Scheme are:

• Samarth Scheme aims to offer market-responsive and job-oriented National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) specific upskilling programs to 10 lakh youth (9 lakh in organized sector and 1 lakh in the unorganized sector).
• Through this, the Government aims to supplement and incentivise the endeavour to create job opportunities in textile and related sectors.
• This scheme wants to promote skill upgradation in traditional sectors such as handlooms, jute, etc.
• Samarth Scheme wants to ensure sustainable livelihood by providing wages or creating self-employment opportunities to all the sections of India.

The Samarth Scheme aims to empower youth through skill development and employment opportunities.The features of Samarth Scheme is as follows,

• Samarth Scheme is operational in 18 states.
• This scheme will follow the Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System with at least 80% of assessment.
• Under this scheme, trainees will receive skill development training from individuals having Training of Trainers (ToT) certification by RSA/SSCs.
• This scheme has initiated a placement linked upskilling programme along with wage employment in the traditional sector (50%) and organised sector (70%). It will also continue tracking after placement for a period of one year.
• With an outlay of ₹ 1,300 crore, Samarth Scheme is expected to continue all its assigned tasks.
• This scheme will include CCTV recording of training programmes where conflicts occurring in a training session can easily be resolved.
• Samarth scheme will operate under a web-based Management Information System (MIS) that will monitor the total implementation process.
• Other advanced features of Samarth Scheme include a dedicated call centre with a helpline number, online monitoring of the training process, etc.

As individuals have now gained detailed knowledge about the Samarth Scheme, let’s focus on the eligibility and application process.

The Samarth Scheme is, providing them with the necessary training for better employment prospects. By availing Samarth Scheme, individuals can reap the following benefits:

• Youths/workers will get skill development training related to the textile industry.
• Women can benefit from this scheme as it will create earning opportunities for them.
• Provides training to enhance skills and competencies specific to the textile and apparel industry.
• Improves job prospects by equipping individuals with industry-relevant skills.
• Offers subsidies and financial support for training programs.
• Grants recognised certifications upon successful completion of training.
• Aids in developing skills needed for self-employment and starting businesses.
• Contributes to the overall growth and modernisation of the textile sector.

The Samarth Scheme aims to enhance skills, employability, and productivity in India's textile sector while promoting inclusive growth and empowering disadvantaged sections of society.

• Enhanced skills and employability of youth.
• Improved productivity in the textiles sector.
• Increased income levels for workers.
• Promotion of inclusive growth.
• Bridging the skill gap in the textiles industry.
• Empowerment of disadvantaged sections of society.
• Creation of a skilled workforce for the future.

To be eligible for Samarth Scheme, individuals have to be residents of India.

Note: Preference will be given to SC/ST, women, minorities, differently-abled persons, BPL category persons, and 115 aspirational districts (that are notified by the NITI Aayog).

To successfully apply for the Samarth Yojana, applicants need to provide specific documents that verify their identity, eligibility, and other relevant details. Ensuring you have all the necessary paperwork will streamline the application process. Here is an unordered list of documents required for Samarth Yojana:

• Aadhaar card
• Bank passbook
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Disability certificate (if applicable)
• Income certificate
• Passport size photographs
• Residential proof
• School leaving certificate (for age proof)

Applying for the Samarth Scheme online is a straightforward process designed to make skill development accessible to everyone. By following the steps below, you can easily register and take advantage of the scheme's benefits. Individuals willing to apply for the Samarth scheme can follow the steps mentioned below.

• Step 1 - Visit the official website of Samarth. 
• Step 2 - On the right hand side of its home page, individuals will find ‘Candidate Registration’ menu. 
• Step 3 - Fill the ‘Candidate Enquiry Form’ and click on ‘Submit’ to complete the online application process.

Knowing the essential details of Samarth Scheme, individuals must be wondering about the ultimate benefit of availing such scheme and the agencies responsible for implementing this scheme. So, let’s find out!

The Samarth Scheme is implemented through various agencies to ensure effective delivery and management of its objectives. These agencies are responsible for conducting training programs, monitoring progress, and providing support to beneficiaries. Below are listed the implementing agencies of the Samarth Scheme,

• Textile Industry.
• Institutions/State Governments/Organization of the Ministry of Textiles that have placement tie-ups and training infrastructure with this industry.
• NGOs/Reputed training institutions/Societies/Organizations/Trusts/Companies/Start Ups active in this textile sector that have placement tie-ups with this industry.

Wondering which states come under the Samarth Scheme? Read along!

The textile sector benefits from a range of schemes designed to support its growth and development. These schemes focus on various aspects such as modernization, skill development, and export promotion. Various schemes aim to support and enhance the textile industry in India.

• Integrated Skill Development Scheme (ISDS)
• Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS)
• Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP)
• PowerTex India
• North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS)
• Silk Samagra Scheme
• Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS)
• Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS)
• National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP)
• Handicrafts Mega Cluster Mission (HMCM)
• Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector (SCBTS)

The Samarth Scheme, often referred to as Samarth Yojana or Samarth Abhiyan, is designed to enhance skills and employment opportunities in the textile sector. With a focus on skill development, it aims to improve employability and support self-employment. The scheme offers financial assistance, certifications, and training to individuals. It contributes to the overall growth of the textile industry.