The Samarth scheme is an initiative by the Government of India aimed at skill development and employment generation in the country’s manufacturing sector. It focuses on enhancing the employability of youth by providing industry-relevant training under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
Samarth seeks to create a skilled workforce aligned with the requirements of various industrial sectors, bridging the gap between demand and supply of skilled labour.
In summary
The Samarth scheme, formally known as SCBTS (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textiles Sector), is a Ministry of Textiles skilling programme launched in 2017 to build employment-linked skills across the textile value chain, excluding spinning and weaving.
- Full name: SCBTS stands for Scheme for Capacity Building in Textiles Sector and provides demand-driven, placement-oriented training.
- Ministry: The Ministry of Textiles administers the scheme, not the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
- Launch: Samarth was launched in 2017, with the initial 2017–20 programme carrying a Rs. 1,300 crore outlay and targeting 10 lakh people for training.
- Current progress: By March 2026, 6.17 lakh beneficiaries had successfully completed training, with 5.17 lakh receiving placements under the scheme.
- Samarth 2.0: The updated phase covered FY 2024–25 and 2025–26, with an outlay of Rs. 495 crore and a target of training 3 lakh people; the extension was valid until March 2026.
Businesses looking to use newly developed skills for expansion can also explore a Bajaj Finance business loan, subject to applicable eligibility and lending criteria.
Key objectives of the Samarth scheme
The primary objective of the Samarth scheme (SCBTS) is to provide demand-driven, placement-oriented textile skills aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), supporting employment and self-employment.
- Skill development: Train up to 10 lakh people in the textile value chain, excluding spinning and weaving.
- NSQF alignment: The Ministry of Textiles supports NSQF-aligned training programmes based on industry skill requirements.
- Employment opportunities: Improve employability and enable trained candidates to pursue suitable jobs or self-employment.
- Industry-focused training: Develop skills that match the requirements of textile and related industries.
- Placement support: Provide placement-oriented programmes to improve transition from training to employment.
- Training of trainers: Strengthen trainer quality through dedicated Training of Trainers (ToT) programmes.
- Inclusive participation: Encourage participation from women and other eligible groups to expand access to textile-sector opportunities.
Salient features of Samarth scheme
The Samarth scheme includes technology-backed monitoring and quality-control features to improve training delivery, assessment, certification, and employment outcomes under SCBTS.
| Feature | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Aadhaar-enabled biometric attendance | Records trainee attendance digitally; at least 80% attendance is required for assessment. | Ensures participation |
| CCTV recording | Training centres use CCTV for monitoring. | Supports transparency |
| Training of Trainers | Only certified trainers with ToT certificates from RAS or SSCs can train candidates. | Maintains trainer quality |
| MIS mobile app | Tracks training and programme data digitally. | Enables real-time monitoring |
| Random inspection | Training centres are subject to random inspections. | Checks compliance |
| NSQF-aligned courses | Courses must follow NSQF requirements for certification. | Standardises skills |
| Helpline number | Candidates can raise queries or complaints. | Supports beneficiaries |
| Concessional credit | Eligible self-employment candidates can access concessional credit through Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana. | Supports enterprise creation |
Application procedure of Samarth scheme
To learn how to apply Samarth scheme online, eligible implementing partners can use the official Samarth scheme portal, samarth-textiles.gov.in, and follow the application process.
- Visit the portal: Open samarth-textiles.gov.in and review the applicable scheme requirements.
- Check eligibility: Confirm that your organisation meets the requirements for participation as an implementing partner.
- Prepare documents: Keep the following documents ready:
- Samarth approval letter
- GST certificate
- ITRs for the previous 2 years
- Bank statements for the previous 6 months
- Factory or Udyam certificate
- Training cell capex estimate
- Complete the application: Enter the required organisation and training details accurately.
- Upload documents: Submit the supporting documents in the prescribed format.
- Submit: Review the application and submit it through the portal.
- Await verification: The application is assessed before approval and onboarding.
The Samarth approval letter is particularly important for any subsequent loan application, while eligible businesses can also explore a Bajaj Finance Business Loan, subject to applicable eligibility and lending criteria.
Implementation of Samarth scheme
The Samarth scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Textiles in collaboration with State and UT administrations, with digital monitoring mechanisms supporting training quality, attendance, and compliance.
- Current implementation: The scheme is currently in the implementation phase under the Ministry of Textiles in collaboration with State and UT administrations.
- Biometric attendance: Aadhaar-enabled biometric systems record trainee attendance and support verification of participation.
- CCTV monitoring: CCTV recording at training centres helps monitor training delivery and strengthen transparency.
- MIS tracking: A Management Information System (MIS) supports digital tracking of training, assessment, and programme data.
- Inspections: Random inspections of training centres help verify infrastructure, trainer availability, attendance, and compliance with scheme requirements.
State governments and UT administrations support implementation alongside approved implementing partners under the Ministry of Textiles.
Implementing agencies under Samarth scheme
The Samarth scheme implementing agencies comprise three main categories: textile industry organisations, institutions or organisations under the Ministry of Textiles, and State governments with suitable training infrastructure and placement tie-ups.
| Agency type | Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Ministry institutions and organisations | Ministry of Textiles and its institutions or organisations | Coordinate scheme implementation, approve partners, and oversee training delivery. |
| Textile industry | Garment manufacturers and other textile industry organisations | Act as implementing partners and provide industry-relevant training and placement opportunities. |
| State governments | State governments and their implementing agencies | Provide training infrastructure and support placement tie-ups for beneficiaries. |
These implementing agencies work with the Ministry of Textiles to deliver demand-driven, placement-oriented training under the Scheme for Capacity Building in Textiles Sector (SCBTS).
Benefits of the Samarth scheme
The Samarth scheme expands textile-sector training and employment opportunities, with MoUs covering 18 states and training benefits targeted at 4 lakh beneficiaries under its implementation framework.
- Wider state coverage: MoUs with 18 states support training and employment opportunities for 4 lakh beneficiaries.
- Employment opportunities: Placement-oriented training helps candidates develop skills relevant to textile-sector jobs and self-employment.
- Inclusive access: Preference is given to socially backward classes and candidates from 150 aspirational districts.
- Industry-relevant skills: NSQF-aligned programmes help trainees develop skills matched to industry requirements.
- Self-employment support: Eligible candidates can access concessional credit through Mudra Yojana to support enterprise creation.
- Trainer quality: Training of Trainers (ToT) programmes help improve the quality and consistency of instruction.
Trainees pursuing self-employment can also explore a Bajaj Finance Business Loan, subject to applicable eligibility and lending criteria.
What is the Samarth 2.0 scheme?
Samarth 2.0 is the revised and expanded phase of the SAMARTH scheme, led by the Ministry of Textiles to modernise textile-sector skilling. The earlier Samarth extension had an outlay of Rs. 495 crore and targeted 3 lakh people through March 2026.
The new Samarth 2.0 initiative announced in 2026 aims to skill 15 lakh individuals over five years through large-scale skilling, reskilling, and upskilling. It is intended to cover the textile value chain and align workforce capabilities with evolving technology and industry requirements.
Indian textile sector: why Samarth matters
The Samarth scheme supports the textile sector, which contributes approximately 2% to India’s GDP and is a major source of employment and export earnings.
- Employment: The textile sector provides direct employment to approximately 45 million people.
- Allied employment: Around 100 million people are employed across allied textile-sector activities.
- Exports: In 2020–21, textile exports accounted for 11.4% of India’s total exports.
- Global trade: India holds approximately 5% of global textile and apparel trade.
- Economic contribution: The sector combines large-scale employment with significant domestic production and export activity.
The Ministry of Textiles uses the Samarth scheme textile sector training to address skill gaps and develop a workforce aligned with evolving industry requirements.
How can businesses finance Samarth training infrastructure?
Businesses becoming Samarth implementing partners typically need to invest Rs. 7 lakh to Rs. 17 lakh upfront for a 30-trainee batch before receiving government reimbursements. This Samarth scheme textile sector training model can create a 60–120 day working-capital requirement while reimbursement is processed after MIS data submission.
| Option | Best for | Bajaj Finance Product |
|---|---|---|
| Business loan | Training cell setup, machinery, and capital expenditure | Bajaj Finance Business Loan |
| Working capital facility | Bridging the 60–120 day reimbursement gap | Bajaj Finance Business Loan, subject to eligibility |
| Business loan | MSME garment manufacturers becoming implementing partners | Bajaj Finance Business Loan |
Eligible businesses can explore a Bajaj Finance Business Loan to fund training infrastructure or manage working capital, subject to applicable eligibility and lending criteria.
Conclusion
The Samarth scheme plays a critical role in bridging the skill gap in India’s manufacturing sector, creating employment opportunities and enhancing productivity.
For entrepreneurs or trainees seeking financial support to start ventures or pursue skill-based enterprises, exploring business loans, checking business loan interest rates, and using the business loan EMI calculator can provide practical financial assistance.
