Union Minister Giriraj Singh recently underscored the growing importance of the textile industry as a major source of income, second only to agriculture in India. Speaking at a roadshow ahead of the Bharat Tex 2025 Global Textile Expo in New Delhi, Singh highlighted that the textile sector currently employs 4.6 crore people, a significant increase since 2014, when the BJP-led government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office.

Singh projected that by 2030, the number of people working in the sector could rise to 6 crore. He emphasized the government's commitment to fostering innovation, noting that the "Atma Nirbhar Bharat" initiative has spurred the rise of 1.5 lakh start-ups in the textile sector since 2014. He also pointed to the expansion of technical textiles, which have benefitted industries like healthcare with products such as sanitary napkins and masks.

Looking toward the future, Singh reassured that by 2030, India would be using 13 million tonnes of fibre, with no shortage of raw materials, thanks to supportive policies for both natural and man-made fibres. He highlighted India's diverse silk production and the government's efforts to preserve it, particularly through a Rs 12,000 crore investment aimed at revitalizing the jute sector.

Singh also acknowledged Kolkata's historical significance in the textile industry, noting that while it has lost some of its former prominence, it remains a key player in the sector. He stated that India's textile industry has now outpaced China in several areas and, with continued innovation and start-up growth, is poised for even greater expansion.

Union Minister of State for Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the role of the Bharat Tex 2025 expo in building cultural connections. He praised Kolkata's rich textile heritage, including its famous handlooms like baluchari sarees and jamdani, and stressed the need for a strong textile value chain to further strengthen the industry.