Textiles minister inaugurates Indian Institute of Handloom Technology campus in West Bengal

Union Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh, inaugurated the new permanent campus of the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT) in Fulia, West Bengal. Built at a cost of Rs 75.95 crores on 5.38 acres, the campus features smart classrooms, a digital library, modern testing labs, and other cutting-edge infrastructure.

The institute aims to serve as a Centre of Excellence in handloom and textile technology, benefiting students from West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Sikkim.

Singh announced an increase in first-year student intake from 33 to 66 and emphasized the institute’s role in empowering the children of handloom weavers. He also planted saplings under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative and awarded medals to top IIHT rankers.

A unified website for six Central IIHTs and a book on jacquard weaving design were launched. The Minister noted IIHT Fulia’s potential to integrate flax and linen with NIFT Kolkata’s design expertise and its contribution to India’s Rs 300 billion textile market target by 2030. The occasion was attended by prominent dignitaries, showcasing a commitment to preserving tradition, fostering innovation, and advancing the vision of 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat.'