New Delhi, Feb. 1 -- New Delhi: The Union budget for FY27 placed the textile sector at the centre of its manufacturing strategy for labour-intensive sectors, unveiling an integrated programme to boost exports, modernize clusters and strengthen India's position in the global apparel and technical textile markets.

Presenting the budget in Parliament on Sunday, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a five-part integrated textile programme covering fibre security, technology and machinery upgrade, technical textiles, handlooms and handicraft, sustainable production and skilling, alongside plans to set up mission-mode Mega Textile Parks through a challenge-based approach.

One of the key announcements made by the finance minister was ...