Murali added that non-leather footwear factories are set to be established in key locations across the state, including Tindivanam, Ulundurpet, Jayankondam, Pudukkottai, Karur, and Ranipet. Around 10% of this workforce demand will be for techno-managerial roles, for which CFTI’s long-term trainees are well-suited, he said.
Recruitment drives for current batches are already underway, and over 90% of trainees have been placed in reputed firms such as Apache Footwear India, KH Exports, Farida Palms, Walkaroo International, SRL International, and Sara Leathers.
India’s footwear sector, the second-largest globally, employs over 2 million people and exports to more than 150 countries. Major production hubs include Agra, Kanpur, Chennai, Ranipet, Ambur, and Kolkata, catering to both leather and non-leather segments. The sector is supported by initiatives like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, the Indian Footwear and Leather Development Programme (IFLDP), and national skill development missions. Institutions such as CFTI, FDDI, and CLRI play a key role in providing technical and training support.
India’s domestic demand for footwear is rising, driven by higher disposable incomes, urbanization, and evolving fashion preferences. There is also growing interest in sustainable and vegan footwear aligned with global environmental standards.
India has over 15,000 footwear manufacturing units across leather and non-leather segments. About 2,250 of these belong to the organized sector (15%), while the remaining 12,750 are part of the unorganized sector (85%).
CFTI Chennai, an autonomous body under the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, has been a pioneer in footwear training since 1957. The institute offers long-term (1–2 years), medium-term (6 months), and short-term programs tailored to candidates with 10th, 12th, diploma, and graduate qualifications.
To date, CFTI has trained over 2.26 lakh individuals, including more than 150 foreign nationals. Its strong industry linkages with companies such as Pou Chen, HUALI, Fengtay, Kothari Group, Farida, KH Group, Tata International, VKC Group, Walkaroo, and Florence ensure job-ready training and assured placement opportunities.
To boost enrolments, awareness campaigns were conducted at district collectorates in Kallakurichi, Ariyalur, Cuddalore, and Viluppuram, with space allotted and publicity support from local administrations. The effort yielded around 550 applications, and 235 students enrolled for the academic year 2024–25.
CFTI has launched training under a revised curriculum. Separate programs are offered based on educational qualifications, and candidates aged 18–35 are eligible. With demand in the sector surging, CFTI plans to scale up its annual intake, which currently stands at 250–300 students.
Murali also stated that steps are being taken to ensure job placements for out-of-state trainees in their respective home regions.