Giriraj Singh Launches New IIHT Campus to Enhance Textile Production in West Bengal

Union Minister for Textiles Giriraj Singh inaugurated the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology's new permanent campus at Fulia in West Bengal's Nadia district. This initiative aims to enhance the textile industry by encouraging the growth of diverse fibres in India, particularly in West Bengal, which leads in jute production.

Boosting Fibre Production

Singh emphasised the importance of cultivating flax alongside traditional crops like paddy and jute. "To usher in a new regime in the textile industry and to outgrow fibres in the country so as to compete with the world, West Bengal, the forerunner state in jute production should also come forward in growing fibres like flax on its soil, apart from paddy and jute," he stated. This strategy seeks to reduce reliance on linen imports, especially from Belgium.

The Union government has established six Indian Institute of Handloom Technology campuses across India. These are located in Salem, Varanasi, Guwahati, Jodhpur, Bargarh, and Fulia. The goal is to preserve handloom's unique identity and meet the technical manpower needs of the industry.

Educational Opportunities

The newly inaugurated Fulia campus will serve students from West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Sikkim. It operates under the Office of the Development Commissioner Handlooms, part of the Union Ministry of Textiles. This expansion aims to provide educational opportunities tailored to regional needs.

Flax fibre encompasses linen fibre, thread, yarn, and linseed. By promoting its cultivation, India can boost linen production domestically. This move aligns with broader efforts to strengthen India's textile sector by diversifying fibre sources and reducing import dependency.

The establishment of these campuses reflects a commitment to supporting regions with significant handloom activity. By doing so, it ensures that local industries have access to skilled professionals necessary for growth and innovation within the textile sector.