Integrated Skill Development Scheme (ISDS)

The Integrated Skill Development Scheme is a central-sector scheme run by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. It was launched to address the skilled manpower needs of the textiles and apparel sector and related segments. The purpose of the scheme is to create a cohesive, industry-driven framework for training and certifying workforce for the textile value-chain so that enterprises, including MSMEs in the sector, can access skilled labour. The benefit to your business is that you can engage with trained workforce, reduce training cost, improve productivity and compete more effectively in production or manufacturing within the textile/apparel sector.

Key Features
Financial Assistance
Eligibility Criteria
Documents Required
Application Process for the Scheme

Key Features

Demand-driven training programmes: Under ISDS, the training modules and the courses are designed based on actual industry demand meaning the skills you as an MSME may need are identified and training is aligned accordingly so that trainees are job-ready.
Coverage of multiple segments: The scheme is not restricted to one sub-sector; it covers textiles, apparel, jute, handicrafts, handlooms and sericulture. This means if your MSME works in any of these segments you can benefit from the scheme’s training spread.
Support for establishment/upgrading of training centres: The scheme supports setting up new training centres or upgrading existing facilities so that you as an industry participant can link with such centres or even host training for your workforce.
Inclusive coverage of marginalised groups: ISDS ensures that training opportunities are extended to youth, women, artisans, workers in handicrafts/handloom sectors and differently-abled persons, thus widening your workforce pool and social inclusion
Certification of trainees: After training and assessment under the scheme, trainees receive certification which increases their credibility. This means when you hire a trained worker from ISDS you have a certified person, reducing your induction/training time
Financial reward for trainees: The scheme provides a financial incentive or reward component for successful trainees which encourages participation and ensures motivated workforce entry into your enterprise activities
Collaboration with industry/training providers: The scheme is implemented in partnership with industry associations, training institutions and clusters. As an MSME you can connect with partner training providers or even collaborate for customised training aligning with your production needs.

Financial Assistance

Component	Assistance Provided	Detailed Explanation & Example
Training cost support	Subsidy/grant for training programme in textiles & related segments	Example: If your enterprise needs to train 50 workers in apparel manufacturing finishing, the scheme may subsidise a portion of their training cost under ISDS.
Financial reward to successful trainees	Incentive payment to trainees on completion & certification	Example: A trainee after 6-month certificate programme may receive a stipend or reward, making them more ready to join your workforce.
Infrastructure upgrading of training centres	Funding for equipment, machines, infrastructure at training centres	Example: A textile cluster’s training centre upgrades its machines using ISDS funding; as an MSME you can utilise the upgraded centre for training your staff.

Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply:

Individuals aged 18 years and above seeking textile-related skills.
Trainees from rural, semi-urban and urban regions.
Existing textile workers requiring upskilling.
Implementing Agencies such as industry bodies, training institutes or textile mills.
Organizations with adequate textile training infrastructure.

Who Cannot Apply:

Individuals below 18 years of age.
Applicants unwilling to undergo assessments or certification.
Agencies without textile expertise or required training capacity.
Organizations with poor compliance or previous violations.
Training bodies offering courses unrelated to the textile value chain.

Documents Required

Age and identity proof of trainees
Educational qualification documents
Trainee registration forms and photographs
Implementing Agency registration certificates
Training infrastructure details
Trainer qualifications
Bank account details for fund release
Attendance, training logs and assessment records

Application Process for the Scheme

Option 1: Apply with Bullit

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Option 2: Historical Official Process

Implementing Agencies submitted training proposals to the Ministry of Textiles.
Proposals included DPRs, training capacity and sector coverage.
Ministry evaluated technical feasibility and financial eligibility.
Approved agencies conducted training as per scheme guidelines.
Trainees were enrolled, trained and assessed by authorized bodies.
Claims were submitted and reimbursed based on verified outputs.

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