In a significant development for West Bengal’s Rs 40,000 crore textile sector, the Credo Centre of Excellence has collaborated with the government’s Apparel Skill Council to establish India’s inaugural fashion incubation centre in Kolkata. This pioneering public-private partnership initiative, backed by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, is aimed at addressing skill shortages and fostering entrepreneurship in the apparel, home furnishing, and related industries.
Pinaki Roychowdhury, a trustee of the Credo Foundation, remarked, “This marks the inception of India’s groundbreaking fashion incubator and the first public-private partnership model centre endorsed by the Apparel Made Ups Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC).” While the AMHSSC currently operates basic tailoring centres in Gurugram, Guwahati, and Tripura under government supervision, the new Kolkata facility will offer comprehensive incubation support to budding entrepreneurs.
Despite boasting a flourishing MSME garment manufacturing sector, West Bengal has struggled with lagging exports due to the absence of modern design, manufacturing, and supply chain capabilities. The newly established centre is poised to empower entrepreneurs with essential skills in design, production, and market access over a period of 2-4 years until they achieve scalability.
AMHSSC chairman Padmashree Dr A Sakthivel emphasised the centre’s objective of promoting innovation and bridging skill gaps to bolster workforce competence. Dominic Savio, Principal of St. Xavier’s College, commended Credo’s innovative blended training approach, which integrates theoretical learning with hands-on industrial exposure.
With cutting-edge facilities and mentorship programs, this incubator is set to stimulate entrepreneurship and drive technological advancement in West Bengal’s vital textile economy.