The Uttar Pradesh government is set to clear the UP Leather and Footwear Policy-2025. The draft of the new policy has been finalised and would be soon placed before the Cabinet, officials said.
Tamil Nadu is the only other state with a dedicated footwear and leather policy.
“The new policy will accelerate the development of leather and footwear clusters and promote the establishment of private industrial parks across the state. Developers investing in such parks will benefit from attractive incentives, including capital subsidies and 100 per cent stamp duty exemptions,” an official said.
The policy is aimed at scaling up production, boosting exports, enhancing global brand presence in the leather and footwear sector, and increasing the state’s revenue, the official added.
Kanpur, already known as a hub of leather and footwear exports in India and globally, will play a central role in this strategic push.
Under the policy, parks developed on 25–100 acres will be eligible for up to Rs 45 crore in capital subsidies, and parks over 100 acres can receive up to Rs 80 crore. “All parks must be completed within five years, and at least 25 per cent of the land must be allocated to green and open spaces,” according to the policy draft.
Investors will be required to invest a minimum of Rs 150–200 crore, depending on the nature of the unit (plant, cluster, or park), potentially generating 1,000 to 3,000 new jobs per unit. For every Rs 1 crore invested, the state expects to create 20 employment opportunities.
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Uttar Pradesh contributes 46% of India’s total leather exports, with Agra, Kanpur, and Unnao leading centers. Agra is recognized as the footwear capital, while Kanpur is a global hub for safety footwear, leather accessories, and garments.
“Emerging centers such as Lucknow and Bareilly are also poised for rapid growth under the new policy,” the official said.
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