In a significant move towards evidence-based policymaking, the Ministry of Textiles (MoT) has signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with 15 states on the first day of the National Textiles Ministers' Conference 2026 in Guwahati.

The MoUs are part of the Textiles-focused Research, Assessment, Monitoring, Planning, and Startup (Tex-Ramps) scheme, aimed at enhancing the coverage, quality, and credibility of textile-related data and research. This Central scheme will improve textile data systems across states and union territories, facilitating integrated planning in key sectors such as handlooms, handicrafts, apparel, and technical textiles. The Ministry is providing financial assistance through a yearly grant of Rs 12 lakh to each state or UT, with an additional Rs one lakh per district to support district-level action plans.

"This initiative extends its reach to the grassroots level, strengthening the textile industry’s regional clusters," the statement said. The goal is to bridge data gaps and help the industry move toward its target of a USD 350 billion market.