The Union Minister of Textiles Dr. Kavuru Sambasiva Rao unveiled the Foundation Stone for the construction of a new block at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) New Delhi Campus. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Smt. Panabaaka Lakshmi, Minister of State (Textiles), and Ms. Zohra Chatterji, IAS, Secretary (Textiles).

In his address, Dr. Rao emphasised the role of NIFT’s contribution to the growth of India’s textile sector as a centre of excellence and innovation. He also spoke about various endeavours in craft development, research and doctoral studies undertaken by the faculty and students at the Institute. Dr. Rao expressed his admiration at the flagship NIFT New Delhi Campus for being a beacon and for embracing a dynamic environment of learning and international exposure. With a growing demand for admissions at the NIFT New Delhi Campus, the addition of the new block creates a much needed and awaited expansion of the Campus space, which will enable higher intake and launch of additional professional programmes.

Ms. Chatterji, Secretary (Textiles) echoed similar sentiments, and outlined the salient features of the expansion of the Campus. This expansion has been made possible through OBC funds granted by the Ministry. Following this, DDA allotted additional land for the academic block, a hostel block and other infrastructure.

The present estimated cost of the project is 62.44 crores, and will be executed by the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (DSIIDC). The total built-up area of the proposed block would be 15,688 sq meters comprising of class rooms, tutorial rooms, laboratories, faculty rooms, seminar rooms, auditorium besides residential accommodation for girls. When completed, this would provide relief to students, faculty and administrative staff as the campus which was designed for 300 students is currently accommodating over 1000 students, faculty and staff.

On this occasion, Smt. Lakshmi, Minister of State (Textiles), conveyed congratulations to all the stakeholders of the project, and expressed her confidence that the expansion will be beneficial to new generations of professionally trained designers and therefore to the entire industry. She also remarked that it was heartening to note the increasing instances of NIFT’s collaboration with leading design schools from all over the world. She spoke about the Ministry’s support and encouragement towards professional and vocational studies, and underlined the growth and emergence of NIFT as one of the largest providers of professional fashion education in South-East Asia.

Prem Kumar Gera, IAS, Director General, NIFT, also addressed the Campus community, noting that with 15 functional campuses, NIFT has a truly pan-India presence, and the new expansion of the NIFT Delhi Campus would be a moment of pride for the entire Institute.