FDDI Bill 2017 Introduced in Lok Sabha

The FDDI or Footwear Design and Development Institute Bill 2017 has been introduced in Lok Sabha on March 14, 2017. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Commerce and Industry introduced the Bill. The main objective of introducing the Bill is to promote and facilitate research, training and teaching in all disciplines relating to development and design of footwear and leather products. The Bill will also enable Footwear Design and Development Institute to attain 'Institution of National Importance' status.

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Minister of Commerce and Industry revealed that footwear industry is regarded as a labour intensive industry where the requirement of skilled human resources for footwear and leather section is immense. India stands at third place in terms of being amongst the top exporters of leather goods and footwear. It is expected that the global footwear market will reach $220.2 billion by the year 2020. Therefore, it is high time to invest in the talent pool and human resources required for this sector to avoid imports.

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The FDDI Bill 2017 also indicates that the Footwear Design and Development Institute must be established as a corporate body. Currently, the institute is being funded by the central government in terms of capital expenditure. If the Bill is passed, the institute will have a Governing Council with a Chairperson who will be nominated by the central government.

Moreover, if the FDDI Bill 2017 is passed, the central government will also be responsible for allocating a budget every year for the development of the institute. The institute will also lay more emphasis on research in the area of footwear and leather goods. The Bill will also enable the institute to develop an international centre for creation and transmission of information and the focus will be on industrial, professional and educational commitments.