In a landmark move to boost women’s empowerment and rural livelihoods, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Patna has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL) in the presence of Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh. The partnership aims to train and employ thousands of women from Bihar’s self-help groups (SHGs), known as Jeevika Didis, in the textile and fashion industry.
Under the initiative, women will receive training at NIFT Patna in garment manufacturing, quality control and machinery operation, preparing them for formal employment at ABFRL’s upcoming textile manufacturing unit in Begusarai district. Initially, 3.5 lakh women are expected to benefit, with the programme eventually expanding to neighbouring districts.
The collaboration links academic expertise with industry needs, creating a direct pathway from skill development to secure jobs. It is expected to improve incomes, boost women’s decision-making power within households and contribute to the region’s industrial development. Officials said the MoU represents a scalable model of government, academia and industry working together to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth.