Tamil Nadu hikes handloom weavers' wages by 10%, sets up Knitwear Board
Tamil Nadu announces 10% wage hike for cooperative handloom weavers, a new Knitwear Board, and several textile sector initiatives.
The Tamil Nadu government has announced a 10% increase in the basic wages and dearness allowance for handloom weavers who are members of cooperative societies. The decision was announced by Minister for Handlooms, Textiles and Khadi M. Vijay Balaji in the state assembly on Tuesday.
In a related move, the government will establish a Tamil Nadu Knitwear Board with representatives from the government and various stakeholders. The Minister also announced that the state's contribution under the Tamil Nadu Cooperative Handloom Weavers' Savings and Security Scheme will be doubled from 8% to 16%.
To boost silk production and exports, a Silk Export Trade Facilitation Centre will be set up at the Perarignar Anna Handloom Silk Park in Kancheepuram. A 100% subsidy will be provided for installing solar panels in 1,000 handloom units to cut electricity costs and support environmental protection. A Natural Dye House will also be established at a cost of ₹1 crore to promote eco-friendly production.
A new Design Studio will be created at Thirubuvanam in Thanjavur district, with an investment of ₹20 lakh, to expand market opportunities for Thirubuvanam silk. A modern sales complex will be built in Nagercoil, Kanniyakumari district, at a cost of ₹1 crore to promote handloom products.
A Detailed Project Report will be prepared to revamp six cooperative spinning mills under the Textiles Department, with new machinery to be procured using financial assistance from the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC). A feasibility study will also be undertaken for establishing a Centre of Excellence for Home Textiles in Karur.