Chhattisgarh is weaving ambitious plans to become a major textile and apparel manufacturing hub, announcing a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) today. The move, spearheaded by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai during his visit to the CMAI FAB Show 2025 in Mumbai, is poised to inject economic vitality and create substantial job opportunities within the state.
Chief Minister Sai warmly invited textile entrepreneurs to set up shop in Chhattisgarh, highlighting the state's commitment to fostering an investor-friendly environment through progressive policies. He emphasised that the newly inked MoU to establish a CMAI Textile and Apparel facilitation centre in Raipur would be a pivotal moment in bolstering Chhattisgarh's textile sector, unlocking significant investment potential.
Adding to this momentum, the Chief Minister proudly noted the recent approval for a National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) campus in Nava Raipur, backed by a ?271 crore investment. This strategic move underscores the government's dedication to nurturing talent and fostering design innovation within the textile ecosystem.
Drawing attention to Chhattisgarh's rich textile heritage, particularly the exquisite natural kosa cocoons of Bastar and Surguja, Chief Minister Sai expressed optimism that the collaboration with NIFT and CMAI would provide the much-needed impetus for branding and promoting the state's handloom products.
He articulated a vision of rapid industrialisation driving Chhattisgarh's development, with the textile sector playing a central role. Since the implementation of the state's new industrial policy, a diverse range of investment proposals, spanning from MSMEs to high-tech industries, including semiconductors, have been received.
"We are now not just focused on ease of doing business, but speed of doing business," declared Chief Minister Sai, pointing to over 350 reforms implemented to streamline the investment process. He also underscored the textile industry's direct connection to rural self-employment, technology, and skill development, emphasising the government's efforts to support textile-related MSMEs through the new industrial policy, including special grants for enterprises employing over 1000 local individuals. Notably, he mentioned a unique policy of reimbursing ?252 crore on a ?100 crore investment in the textile sector. Additional incentives are also on offer for units establishing themselves in tribal regions like Bastar and Surguja.
Highlighting Chhattisgarh's infrastructure advantages, the Chief Minister cited surplus water and power, a central location, and the upcoming cargo facilities at Raipur Airport, creating unparalleled logistical benefits for the textile industry. Ongoing railway projects worth ?48,000 crore and the rapid progress of the Raipur¨CVisakhapatnam Expressway further solidify the state's connectivity.
Recognizing the importance of a skilled workforce, Chief Minister Sai mentioned the introduction of advanced, technology-based courses in ITIs and the presence of world-class institutions like IIT, IIM, and IIIT, ensuring a steady supply of skilled professionals for the industry.
In his concluding remarks, Chief Minister Sai extended a warm invitation to textile entrepreneurs nationwide, urging them to capitalise on Chhattisgarh's investor-friendly environment and the comprehensive support being offered. He affirmed the government's unwavering commitment to ensuring the prosperity of businesses, the state, and the nation through these investments.
During the event, the Chief Minister also visited the Chhattisgarh stall at the FAB Show, engaging with exhibitors and exploring opportunities to integrate traditional handicrafts with the textile industry. Senior state officials, including Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain, were also present at the event.