Article Title: Indian Footwear and Leather Development Programme (IFLDP)
17-12-2022
Economy Prelims Plus
Why is in news? Leather and Footwear industries are being benefitted through Indian Footwear and Leather Development Programme (IFLDP)
Central Government on 19th January 2022, has approved the continuation of Central Sector Scheme ‘Indian Footwear and Leather Development Programme (IFLDP)’ till 31.03.2026 or till further review, whichever is earlier.
The programme aimed at developing infrastructure for the leather sector, addressing specific environmental concerns, facilitating additional investment, generating employment and increasing production.
Leather and Footwear industries are being benefitted through this programme.
IFLDP has been approved for implementation with six sub-schemes and the details are as under:
Sustainable Technology and Environmental Promotion (STEP)
Integrated Development of Leather Sector (IDLS)
Mega Leather Footwear and Accessories Cluster Development (MLFACD)
Establishment of Institutional Facilities (EIF)
Brand Promotion of Indian Brands in Footwear and Leather Sector
Development of Design Studios in Footwear and Leather Sector
Current Status of Leather Industry of India:
India is the second largest producer of footwear and leather garments in the world after China and the second largest exporter of leather garments in the world (after China).
The industry is known for its consistent high export earnings and is one of the top ten foreign exchange earners for the country.
India has 20% of the world’s cattle and buffalo population and 11% of goat and sheep population as leather raw material.
Leather industry is an employment intensive industry which provides employment to more than 4 million people from weaker sections of the society.
Women constitute about 30% of the leather products industry. The leather industry in India is one of the youngest workforce with 55% of the workforce below the age of 35.
Major markets of Indian leather products are USA, Germany, UK, Italy, France, Spain, Netherlands and UAE etc.
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