The Lok Sabha today passed the Footwear Design and Development Institute Bill, 2017. The bill seeks to establish and declare the Footwear Design and Development Institute,FDDI as an institution of national importance. <br/><br/>It also seeks promotion and development of quality and excellence in education, research and training in all disciplines relating to footwear and leather products.The functions of the Institute include developing and conducting courses relating to footwear and leather products' design and development and granting degrees, diplomas and certifications. <br/><br/>The FDDI will also function as a national resource centre for curriculum development, training and skill development in the leather sector. Replying to debate,Commerce and Industry Minister Narmala Sitharaman said, there are seven such institutes functional in different parts of the country which will be declared the institution of national importance. <br/><br/>The initiative will help promote and development of research activities in leather industries.She said, five more institutes of national importance will come up soon in different parts of the country. <br/><br/>She said, there will be self- financing courses in these institutes and after completing the courses, the will be able get employment in the leather sector.She also said, there will be no shortage of raw materials for the leather industries.