UGC asks universities to develop curriculum for technical textiles courses; issues guidelines

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked the universities to develop curriculum in the field of technical textiles to participate in the National Textiles Mission (NTTM). The commission has also issued general guidelines for enabling academic institutes in technical textiles for both public and private institutes.

The Government allotted a financial outlay of Rs 1,480 crore for the period of 2020-21 to 2023-24 to implement the National Textiles Mission (NTTM). With an aim to promote the technical textiles sector in the country, the government announced four components - Research, innovation and Development; Promotion and Market Development; Export Promotion; and Education, Training, Skill Development.

Under the fourth component, the ministry of textiles launched 'General Guidelines for Enabling Academic Institutes in Technical Textiles- for private and public institutes'.

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These guidelines cover the funding for upgradation, enhancement of laboratory equipment, training lab personnel and specialized training of faculty members of the relevant department in the university, the UGC said.

Institutes having National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranking will be able to apply on the online education application portal, nttm.texmin.gov.in, by March 2, 2023.

Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMSs), Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs), National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), National Institutes of Design (NIDs), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and all public universities in engineering, technology, agriculture, medical, architecture, design, fashion technology are eligible to apply for the technical textile courses under the UGC guidelines.

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Technical Textile courses: Credit structure

UGC guidelines stated that the technical textiles courses will be included in curriculum in graduate and postgraduate programmes. Meaning, short courses of 1-2 credit levels will be offered to UG and PG students. It also instructed universities to organise seminars, workshops, expert lectures etc.