National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) – Objectives, Features & Current Status

National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) is a flagship initiative of the Government of India. It was launched in 2020 to promote research, innovation, and market expansion in the technical textiles sector with a budget of ₹1,480 crore for 2020-2026. This mission aims to enhance India’s competitiveness in smart textiles, geotextiles, medical textiles, agro-textiles, and other specialized segments.

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What is the National Technical Textiles Mission?

The technical textiles industry plays a crucial role in infrastructure, healthcare, defense, and sustainability. Through National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), India aims to become a global leader in technical textiles by increasing domestic production, reducing imports, and boosting exports. 

The National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) is a government initiative focused on:

• Strengthening research & development (R&D) in technical textiles.

• Increasing the use of technical textiles across various industries.

• Enhancing exports to establish India as a global hub.

• Promoting skill development and education in technical textiles.

Objectives of NTTM

The mission is designed to achieve the following key objectives:

1. Research and Innovation

• Develop cutting-edge technologies in technical textiles.

• Fund research institutions and industry collaborations.

2. Market Development and Promotion

• Increase domestic usage of technical textiles across industries like agriculture, construction, healthcare, and defense.

• Establish a dedicated Export Promotion Council to boost global trade.

3. Skill Development and Education

• Train 50,000 individuals by integrating technical textiles into academic curriculums.

• Provide internships and fellowships for students and professionals in the sector.

4. Export Growth and Import Substitution

• Reduce dependency on imported technical textiles.

• Support startups and entrepreneurs in developing indigenous products.

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Features of the National Technical Textiles Mission

The mission is divided into four key components:

1. Research, Innovation, and Development

• Funding for 168 research projects worth ₹509 crore.

• Development of next-gen textiles, including smart fabrics and biodegradable materials.

• Promotion of indigenous manufacturing of high-tech textiles.

2. Market Development and Export Promotion

• Introduction of incentive schemes for businesses adopting technical textiles.

• Organization of global exhibitions and trade fairs to showcase India’s capabilities.

• Establishment of a Technical Textiles Export Promotion Council to enhance global competitiveness.
  
  

3. Skill Development and Education

• Launch of programs like GIST 2.0 (Grant for Industrial Startup & Technology) to support startups.

• Partnership with universities to introduce technical textiles courses.

• Hands-on training for professionals in composites, medical textiles, and geotextiles.

4. Sustainability and Green Initiatives

• Promotion of eco-friendly and recyclable materials.

• Introduction of low-emission and biodegradable textile solutions

• Implementation of waste management programs to reduce industrial pollution.

Current Status of the National Technical Textiles Mission

The government continues to implement new policies under NTTM to expand research, encourage startups, and enhance India’s footprint in the global technical textiles market. As of March 2025, the mission has achieved several milestones:

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Governance Structure of National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)

To ensure smooth execution and monitoring, the NTTM operates under a three-tier institutional framework. Each tier plays a distinct role—from strategic direction to project implementation and innovation oversight.

1. Mission Steering Group (MSG)

Top Policy & Decision-Making Body

• Chairperson: Union Minister of Textiles
  
  

• Role: Provides strategic direction, approves financial norms, and clears all scientific/research projects.
  
  

• Members: Senior officials from ministries (Health, Jal Shakti, MSME, etc.), FICCI, CII, scientists, and industry experts.

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2. Empowered Programme Committee (EPC)

Implementation and Oversight Authority

• Chairperson: Secretary, Ministry of Textiles
  
  

• Role: Approves non-research projects, guides execution, and monitors progress of the Mission.
  
  

• Members: Officials from CSIR, ICAR, BIS, DRDO, IITs, industry bodies, and technical experts.

3. Committee on R&D & Innovation

Focus on Strategic Sector Research

• Chairperson: Member (S&T), NITI Aayog
  
  

• Role: Identifies and recommends high-priority research projects in sectors like defense, space, and atomic energy.
  
  

• Members: Representatives from armed forces, DRDO, ISRO, atomic energy, IITs, and scientific advisors.

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