Overview
The QCI and the FDDI have signed a MoU on 12 June 2026. The agreement aims to create a robust ecosystem for quality, testing, accreditation and skill development across major footwear clusters such as Agra, Bahadurgarh, Ranipet, Chennai, Calicut and Kanpur.
Key Developments
- Joint design of need‑based training programmes for workers, supervisors and industry professionals.
- Establishment of a multi‑level worker assessment and personal certification framework, including RPL pathways for semi‑skilled workers.
- Mapping of testing and calibration laboratories, identification of gaps, and support for setting up sample‑collection centres in underserved clusters.
- Technical guidance by QCI on accreditation principles, quality‑management systems and relevant standards.
- Awareness drives for MSMEs on quality, testing, and government schemes.
Important Facts
The MoU was signed by Shri Chakravarthy T. Kannan, Secretary General of QCI, and Shri Vivek Sharma (IRS), Managing Director of FDDI. Both organisations will collaborate on research studies, white papers and case studies to monitor progress. The partnership aligns with the national vision of building globally competitive, quality‑driven manufacturing ecosystems, especially for the leather and footwear sector which employs millions of workers.
UPSC Relevance
Understanding this partnership helps aspirants in several ways:
- It illustrates how public‑private collaboration can enhance MSMEs productivity, a recurring theme in GS‑3 (Economy).
- The focus on accreditation and quality management showcases the role of regulatory bodies like QCI in governance, linking to GS‑2 (Polity) and GS‑4 (Ethics).
- The RPL component reflects the government's emphasis on skill‑upgradation and inclusive growth, a key point in the Skill India agenda.
Way Forward
To maximise impact, the partnership should:
- Scale the certification framework to cover all footwear clusters, ensuring uniform quality standards.
- Facilitate easy access to accredited testing labs for small manufacturers, possibly through mobile labs.
- Integrate the training modules with existing skill‑development schemes such as PMKVY to broaden reach.
- Monitor outcomes through periodic reports and adjust programmes based on industry feedback.
Successful implementation will strengthen India’s position in the global leather‑footwear market and create sustainable employment for millions of workers.