Uttar Pradesh’s new footwear policy targets 22 lakh jobs by 2030, positioning the state as a global hub for leather and non-leather footwear manufacturing. With incentives like capital subsidies and a cluster-based approach, the policy aims to boost exports and economic growth, leveraging UP’s skilled workforce and infrastructure.
Uttar Pradesh Unveils Ambitious Footwear Policy to Generate 22 Lakh Jobs
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a dedicated Footwear, Leather, and Non-Leather Sector Development Policy 2025, aimed at transforming the state into a global manufacturing hub. Unveiled on August 1, 2025, the policy is projected to create 22 lakh jobs in the coming years, capitalizing on UP’s skilled artisans, raw material availability, and strategic industrial planning. The state’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) department is spearheading the initiative, focusing on a ‘Design to Delivery’ model to integrate production, design, research, and training on a single platform.
The policy emphasizes a cluster-based development approach, with plans for footwear and leather parks in key regions like Noida, Agra, and Kanpur. For instance, a 100-acre footwear park in Noida, a 132-acre park in Kanpur, and another in Agra are expected to attract investments worth ₹8,000 crore. These parks will offer incentives such as capital subsidies of up to ₹80 crore for parks exceeding 100 acres and ₹45 crore for those between 25–100 acres, alongside 100% stamp duty exemptions and export promotion benefits. Each investment unit is required to invest ₹150–200 crore, potentially generating 1,000–3,000 jobs per unit.
Uttar Pradesh, already a significant player in India’s footwear sector, benefits from over 200 operational tanneries in Kanpur and Unnao and Agra’s reputation as the ‘Footwear Capital’ of India. The policy extends incentives to ancillary units producing components like buckles, zips, soles, and specialized machinery for leather and non-leather footwear. This holistic approach aims to create a robust ecosystem, enhancing competitiveness in global markets.
The Union Budget 2025 complements UP’s efforts with the ‘Focus Product Scheme’ announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2025. The scheme targets ₹4 lakh crore in turnover and ₹1.1 lakh crore in exports, supporting design capacity, component manufacturing, and machinery for non-leather and leather footwear. It includes exemptions on basic customs duty for Wet Blue leather and a 20% export duty waiver for crust leather, boosting small tanners and value-added exports.
Industry experts see this as a game-changer, especially with global brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma eyeing India as a manufacturing hub under the ‘China-plus-One’ strategy. Tamil Nadu, a leader in leather exports, has already attracted investments from companies like Hong Fu and Dean Shoes, but UP’s policy positions it to compete fiercely. The state’s focus on flatted factory complexes and infrastructure development is expected to draw large-scale investments, further fueling job creation.
The policy aligns with India’s broader goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy, with UP aiming to contribute significantly through its footwear sector. By fostering skill development and modernizing production, the state seeks to leverage its 7,000 small-scale footwear units, which employ a large number of women, to drive inclusive growth.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, official statements from the Uttar Pradesh government, and Union Budget 2025 announcements. Information has been sourced from credible outlets like The Hindu, Times of India, and Economic Times. Readers are advised to verify details through official government sources for the latest updates.