The government announced a new integrated programme on Sunday, February 1, 2026, to boost growth in the labour-intensive textile sector. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed plans for five sub-parts under this programme. She said, "For the labour-intensive Textile Sector, I propose an Integrated Programme with 5 sub-parts." These include the 'National Fibre Scheme' to improve self-reliance in natural, man-made, and new-age fibres. The 'Textile Expansion and Employment Scheme' aims to modernise traditional clusters with support for machinery, technology, and certification. A National Handloom and Handicraft programme will merge and strengthen existing schemes to help weavers and artisans. The 'Tex-Eco Initiative' will promote sustainable and globally competitive textiles. 'Samarth 2.0' will modernise textile skilling through industry and academic partnerships. Ms. Sitharaman also proposed setting up Mega Textile Parks through a challenge mode, focusing on adding value to technical textiles. Additionally, the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj initiative will support khadi, handloom, and handicrafts by improving training, skilling, quality, and global market connections. "This will benefit our weavers, village industries, One-District, One-Product initiative and rural youth," the Finance Minister said. A new dedicated scheme for sports goods will boost manufacturing, research, and innovation in equipment and materials. The government will also extend the export time limit for leather and textile products from 6 months to 1 year, aiding exporters. This integrated approach aims to strengthen India’s textile sector, benefiting workers and boosting exports.