NIFT Emerges as Key Economic Driver for Textile Sector; India Moving Towards Indigenous Design Standard : Union Minister of Textiles,Shri Giriraj Singh

**Executive Summary** The NIFT International Conference 2026, themed "Design for Inclusive Futures," concluded on January 22, 2026, at NIFT Mumbai. The conference marked four decades of NIFT's contributions to fashion education, design innovation, sustainability, and industry engagement. The event emphasized NIFT's role as a key economic driver for India's textile sector and the country's movement toward indigenous design standards. **Key Points / Main Content** * **NIFT's Role and Achievements:** * NIFT is recognized as a key economic driver for India's textile and craft sectors. * Each NIFT graduate supports an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 jobs over their lifetime. * NIFT's design expertise has expanded beyond fashion to include automobiles and logistics. * **Government Support and Initiatives:** * The government has reduced GST on affordable clothing from 18% to 5%. * Trade barriers, including cotton import duties, have been removed. * India is developing its own standards through initiatives like IndiaSize and VisionNxt, aligned with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. * **Conference Highlights:** * The conference featured a plenary session addressed by the Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh. * The inaugural session included Neelam Shami Rao (Secretary, Ministry of Textiles), Tanu Kashyap (Director General, NIFT), and other NIFT directors. * The book "NIFT @40" chronicling NIFT's journey was released, and the NIFT@41 logo was unveiled. * A Craft Bazaar was inaugurated. * Parallel technical sessions across four thematic tracks were conducted. * 23 peer-reviewed research papers were presented. * Workshops were conducted addressing key themes of accessibility, ethics, sustainability, and future-ready design practices. * Curated exhibitions and craft bazaars ran throughout the day. * **Vision and Emphasis:** * NIFT alumni are encouraged to build global networks and represent the "I AM NIFT" identity. * The Secretary, Ministry of Textiles highlighted the role of design in national development and appreciated NIFT’s initiatives such as VisionNxt, IndiaSize, and curriculum restructuring. * NIFT's contribution to the Prime Minister's 5F Vision (Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Factory, Factory to Fashion, and Fashion to Foreign) was underlined. * Emphasis was placed on respect for artisans, ethical design practices, and the need for standardisation and documentation of traditional knowledge. **Impact Analysis** **NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology)** * **Impact:** The conference reinforces NIFT's role as a leading institution in fashion education, design innovation, and industry engagement. * **Action Required:** NIFT is expected to continue its contributions to the textile and craft sectors, develop and promote India-specific design forecasting and identity, and support the Prime Minister's 5F Vision. **Textile and Craft Sectors** * **Impact:** These sectors benefit from NIFT's contributions in terms of skilled professionals, design expertise, and promotion of indigenous design standards. * **Action Required:** Stakeholders in the textile and craft sectors should collaborate with NIFT to leverage its resources and expertise to enhance their competitiveness and sustainability. **NIFT Alumni** * **Impact:** NIFT Alumni are vital to realizing the goals of Vision 2047. They are the emissaries for the brand "I AM NIFT". * **Action Required:** Build strong global networks and represent the “I AM NIFT” identity with pride at the global level. **Government (Ministry of Textiles)** * **Impact:** The government's support for the textile sector is highlighted, and NIFT is positioned as a key partner in achieving national development goals. * **Action Required:** Continue to provide support to NIFT and the textile sector through policy initiatives, funding, and promotion of indigenous design standards.

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