SEP 12: In a major initiative to promote women’s empowerment and rural employment, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Patna has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL). The signing took place in the presence of Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh on September 12, 2025.
This strategic partnership aims to train and empower rural women, popularly known as Jeevika Didis, who are part of self-help groups (SHGs) under Bihar’s Jeevika programme, implemented by the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (BRLPS). The training will equip these women with industry-ready skills in garment manufacturing, machinery operations, and quality control, preparing them for formal employment at ABFRL’s upcoming textile manufacturing unit in Begusarai.
Minister Giriraj Singh highlighted that NIFT Patna has already successfully trained Jeevika Didis in Begusarai, significantly boosting their income and skill levels. The new MoU scales up this effort, initially benefiting 3.5 lakh women in the region, with plans to expand to adjacent districts.
The collaboration bridges the gap between academic expertise and industrial demand. NIFT will deliver structured training, while ABFRL will provide job placements aligned with its operational needs. The model presents a synergistic academia–industry approach and is expected to serve as a template for similar partnerships across India, especially in states with strong SHG networks.
The initiative not only promises direct employment but also aims to create a broader social and economic impact. It will foster financial independence, increased household decision-making power, and greater dignity for rural women. The ABFRL factory will also stimulate industrial growth in Bihar, generating jobs beyond the textile sector.
This MoU represents a transformative step in integrating skill development, women’s empowerment, and inclusive industrial growth, and reinforces the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and inclusive development.
