Daily Current Affairs : 12-July-2023
Recently, an empowered meeting of the Empowered Committee for Scheme for Capacity Building in the Textiles Sector (SAMARTH) took place. SAMARTH is a demand-driven and placement-oriented skilling program formulated by the Ministry of Textiles under the broader skilling policy framework adopted by the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship. The program aims to incentivize and support the textile industry in generating jobs while providing market-responsive and job-oriented upskilling programs to youth across both organized and unorganized sectors. This essay explores the key details of SAMARTH, its aims, and its significance in creating a skilled workforce for the textile sector.
Aims of SAMARTH Scheme
- Creating Jobs in the Textile Sector
One of the primary objectives of the SAMARTH Scheme is to encourage and supplement the efforts of the textile industry in job creation. By fostering a skilled workforce, the program aims to enhance productivity and competitiveness within the sector, leading to more job opportunities for the youth.
- Offering Upskilling Programs to Youth
SAMARTH envisions providing National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) specific upskilling programs to 10 lakh youth, out of which 9 lakh will be trained for the organized sector, and 1 lakh for the unorganized sector. These programs will be designed to align with industry demands, ensuring that the participants are equipped with the necessary skills to meet market requirements effectively.
- Promoting Skill Upgradation in Traditional Sectors
In addition to focusing on the organized textile sector, SAMARTH recognizes the importance of traditional sectors like handlooms and jute. The scheme aims to promote skill upgradation in these sectors, thereby preserving and reviving traditional crafts and ensuring their sustainability.
- Ensuring Sustainable Livelihood Opportunities
SAMARTH has a broader social objective of providing sustainable livelihoods for all sections of India. By creating job opportunities and offering upskilling programs, the scheme strives to uplift individuals and communities, thereby contributing to the overall socio-economic development of the country.
Eligibility Criteria for SAMARTH Scheme
To be eligible for the SAMARTH Scheme, individuals must be residents of India. The scheme encourages the participation of underprivileged and marginalized groups to ensure inclusive growth and equitable distribution of opportunities. Preference is given to the following categories:
- Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- Women
- Minorities
- Differently-abled persons
- Below Poverty Line (BPL) category persons
- Aspirational districts
Significance of SAMARTH Scheme
- Bridging the Skill Gap
The textile industry faces a significant skill gap, which hampers its growth and competitiveness. SAMARTH addresses this issue by providing relevant and industry-specific training to the youth, making them more employable and ready to take on diverse roles within the sector.
- Encouraging Inclusivity
By prioritizing the inclusion of marginalized groups, SAMARTH ensures that opportunities for skill development are accessible to all, regardless of social or economic backgrounds. This inclusivity contributes to a more equitable society.
- Boosting Economic Growth
A skilled and productive textile sector can lead to increased production and export of textile goods, thereby contributing to the country’s economic growth. SAMARTH plays a crucial role in providing the sector with the necessary human capital to achieve this goal.
- Preserving Traditional Crafts
The scheme’s focus on skill upgradation in traditional sectors, such as handlooms and jute, safeguards India’s rich cultural heritage by preserving and promoting traditional crafts and art forms.
Important Points:
- SAMARTH is a demand-driven and placement-oriented skilling program in the textile sector formulated by the Ministry of Textiles.
- Aim: To incentivize the textile industry in creating jobs, offer market-responsive upskilling programs to 10 lakh youth, promote skill upgradation in traditional sectors, and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities.
- Eligibility: Residents of India, with preference given to SC/ST, women, minorities, differently-abled persons, BPL category persons, and aspirational districts.
- SAMARTH aims to bridge the skill gap in the textile industry, making the workforce more employable and enhancing sector productivity and competitiveness.
- Inclusivity is a key focus, ensuring that underprivileged and marginalized groups have access to skill development opportunities.
- The scheme contributes to economic growth by boosting production and export of textile goods.
- SAMARTH helps preserve India’s cultural heritage by promoting skill upgradation in traditional sectors like handlooms and jute.
- By providing sustainable livelihood opportunities, the scheme uplifts individuals and communities, contributing to socio-economic development.
- The program aligns with the broader skilling policy framework adopted by the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship.
- Effective implementation of SAMARTH can unlock the potential of India’s youth and drive the growth of the textile sector and the nation as a whole.
Why In News
In this highly productive gathering, the Empowered Committee for Scheme for Capacity Building in Textiles Sector (SAMARTH) deliberated on innovative strategies to propel the textile industry’s growth, leaving participants inspired and motivated to implement transformative changes. The meeting’s outcomes promise to fortify the sector by fostering skill development, technology integration, and sustainable practices, setting the stage for a remarkable advancement in the textiles domain.
MCQs about Empowering Youth through SAMARTH Scheme
-
What is the primary aim of the SAMARTH Scheme in the textile sector?
A. To promote traditional crafts and art forms
B. To create sustainable livelihood opportunities for marginalized communities
C. To incentivize and support job creation in the textile industry
D. To provide upskilling programs to 10 lakh youth in both organized and unorganized sectors
-
Who is eligible to participate in the SAMARTH Scheme?
A. Indian citizens residing in urban areas
B. Indian citizens from economically privileged backgrounds
C. Indian citizens from SC/ST, women, minorities, and differently-abled persons
D. Indian citizens with prior experience in the textile sector
-
How does SAMARTH contribute to economic growth in the textile sector?
A. By providing market-responsive upskilling programs
B. By focusing on the organized textile sector
C. By preserving and promoting traditional crafts
D. By boosting production and export of textile goods
-
What does SAMARTH aim to achieve in traditional sectors like handlooms and jute?
A. Enhancing skill development opportunities for women
B. Encouraging entrepreneurship among youth
C. Promoting skill upgradation and preserving traditional crafts
D. Providing employment opportunities for differently-abled persons
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
