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District Led Plan Targets 200 Textile Clusters As India Pushes For Export Scale

• By  Textile Excellence
• January 11, 2026

The Ministry of Textiles has unveiled the District Led Textiles Transformation initiative at the National Textile Ministers Conference in Guwahati, outlining a new growth model focused on districts rather than broad national schemes. The plan aims to convert 100 high potential districts into Global Export Champions while supporting 100 Aspirational Districts to emerge as self-reliant textile hubs.

The strategy is based on a structured assessment of every district using export performance, MSME ecosystem strength, and workforce availability. Districts identified as Champion clusters will focus on scale and sophistication through upgraded common facility centres, adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies, and direct access to global markets. Aspirational districts will prioritise skills development, certification, raw material access, and the creation of micro enterprises through self-help groups and cooperatives.

Special emphasis has been placed on eastern and northeastern India under the Purvodaya vision. These regions will receive targeted support for tribal enterprise development, improved connectivity, and Geographical Indication tagging to position indigenous textiles and handicrafts in premium export markets.

India’s textile and apparel exports stood at around US$36 billion in the last fiscal year, while the sector employs more than 45 million people. Officials believe the district led approach can accelerate balanced growth and help move India closer to its long term US$350 billion textile economy ambition.

Special emphasis has been placed on eastern and northeastern India under the Purvodaya vision. These regions will receive targeted support for tribal enterprise development, improved connectivity, and Geographical Indication tagging to position indigenous textiles and handicrafts in premium export markets.