What Happened

The Textiles Committee, a statutory body under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, celebrated its 62nd Foundation Day on August 22, 2026, at its headquarters in Mumbai. Established on August 22, 1964, under the Textiles Committee Act, 1963, the committee marked over six decades of service. Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, attended as the Chief Guest, while Shri Sanjay Savkare, Minister of Textiles, Government of Maharashtra, served as the Guest of Honour. Shri Singh called for zero-defect manufacturing, traceability, and environmental conformity.

Key Facts

  • The Textiles Committee commemorated its 62nd Foundation Day on August 22, 2026, in Mumbai.
  • The committee was established on August 22, 1964, under the Textiles Committee Act, 1963.
  • Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, addressed the gathering, advocating for zero-defect manufacturing, traceability, and environmental conformity.
  • The committee's initiatives include GI protection, textile recovery, quality certification, and global environmental compliance.
  • Shri Singh highlighted the expansion of Textile Export Facilitation Centres (TEFCs) for MSMEs.
  • Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner for Handlooms, noted the committee's role in protecting weaver craftsmanship through the India Handloom Brand (IHB) and Handloom Mark, and GI protection for handloom products.
  • Smt. Vrunda Manohar Desai, Textile Commissioner and Vice Chairperson, highlighted the establishment of India's first municipal-scale Textile Recovery Facility (TRF) with the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC).
  • Smt. Manisha Chatterjee, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, mentioned the Committee's leadership in green chemistry through the UNIDO-GEF Project and the Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector (SAMARTH).
  • The committee operates NABL-accredited eco-testing and physical testing laboratories nationwide.

Why It Matters

The Textiles Committee has evolved from a pre-shipment inspection agency into a catalyst for modern trade and quality compliance, showcasing its adaptation to industry needs over 62 years. The emphasis on zero-defect manufacturing, traceability, and environmental conformity reflects a strategic direction for India's textile sector, aligning it with global competitiveness and sustainability standards.

What To Watch

Attention will be on the committee's progress in positioning Indian textile certification to meet international accreditation benchmarks, the continued expansion of TEFCs, and further collaborative initiatives in skill development and sustainable waste recovery mentioned by Shri Sanjay Savkare.