Context:
The National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), an initiative of the Ministry of Textiles, has successfully supported the development of 03 indigenous instruments for testing Convective, Radiant, and Contact (Conductive) Heat Resistance of protective textiles.
The innovative project was developed by the Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA) — marking a key step towards building self-reliant testing capabilities in India’s technical textile sector.
Key Highlights:
Outcome of NTTM Sponsored R&D Project
The NTTM-sponsored project titled “Indigenously Developed State of the Art Instruments to Test Convective, Radiant, and Conductive Properties of Protective Textiles” has resulted in creation of three precision systems:
- Convective Heat Tester (ISO 9151)
• Radiant Heat Tester (ISO 6942)
• Contact (Conductive) Heat Tester (IS 12127)
These instruments enable evaluation of thermal resistance properties in materials used for firefighter suits, industrial protective clothing, and defence applications, where heat protection is critical.
Developed entirely using indigenous design and technology, these systems offer performance comparable to imported systems while being significantly more affordable.
Institutional Collaboration
- Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES), DRDO, Delhi also associated.
The successful completion of this NTTM-funded project represents a meaningful contribution toward strengthening India’s technical textile infrastructure and aligns with national vision of innovation, sustainability & Atmanirbharta.
Relevant Mains Points :
- Technical textiles = sunrise industrial sector under Atmanirbhar Bharat
• Heat protection textiles → industrial safety + strategic defence utility
• Import substitution → reduces forex outflow + accelerates Make-in-India
• R&D-led textile innovation → global competitiveness lever
Practice Mains Question:
Examine how indigenisation of testing infrastructure can accelerate India’s emergence as a global hub for high-performance technical textiles.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS-3 → Industry, R&D, Make-in-India
• Prelims → Missions under Ministry of Textiles