India believes that its export duty rationalization on leather goods can create 2 million jobs

• India’s leather sector — which is the second largest leather garment and footwear producer globally — is believed to originate nearly 2 million jobs by 2024.
  
• The statement was made during an award ceremony certifying candidates with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in the leather sector.
  
• India contributes 13% to the total leather production, globally.
  
• As of now, the sector employs over 2.5 million people in India.
  

Indian government is betting on the leather sector to create jobs.

“The leather sector is an export driven sector and has the potential to create 2 million jobs in the next 5 years,” said Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) at an award ceremony.

India’s leather sector — is the second largest leather garment and footwear producer globally.

“The Government of India has allowed 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in the sector and rationalized export duty on raw and semi-finished leather. The sector employees over 2.5 million people,” he added.

The government extended Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Certificates under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) of Skill India mission, in Chennai. Over 2 million candidates have received the certification so far.

India contributes 13% to the total leather production, globally. Given that, the exports in the sector are expected to hit $9 billion by 2020.

Recognising the RPL certified candidates, Pandey said that “India has always had a rich heritage of leather crafts like footwear and accessories, prepared by highly skilled craftsmen from various clusters like Agra, Kanpur, Ambur and other regions.”

“Fashion and trends have a great influence in this industry. There are many opportunities for entrepreneurship in traditional leather trades and new forms of leather substitutes. We need to cater to basic needs as well as luxury segments, with vast potential for exports.”

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship jointly with Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC) has been providing skill training to professionals in the sector. As of now, the sector employs over 2.5 million people in India.

The Skill Development ministry also announced “Mochi Swabhimaan” Initiative. Under this, the LSSC will assist the cobbler community in India for leather-based services, providing better working conditions.

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