Tamil Nadu Announces 10% Wage and DA Hike for Handloom Weavers, New Knitwear Board
Chennai, Tamil Nadu: The Tamil Nadu government has announced a 10% increase in wages and dearness allowance (DA) for handloom weavers, along with a series of measures aimed at strengthening the state’s handloom and textile sectors.
Making the announcements for the Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles and Khadi Department, Minister for Handlooms, Textiles and Khadi M. Vijay Balaji said the government will also establish a Tamil Nadu Knitwear Board comprising representatives from the government and key industry stakeholders.
Under the Tamil Nadu Cooperative Handloom Weavers’ Savings and Security Scheme, the government’s contribution will also be increased from the existing 8% to 16%.
Silk Export Centre in Kancheepuram
To support the production and export of high-quality silk products, the government will establish a Silk Export Trade Facilitation Centre at the Perarignar Anna Handloom Silk Park in Kancheepuram.
The facility is expected to help handloom silk producers access international markets and improve export opportunities.
The government will also provide a 100% subsidy for installing solar panels in 1,000 handloom units. The initiative is aimed at reducing electricity costs for weavers while promoting the adoption of renewable energy.
A Natural Dye House will also be established at a cost of ₹1 crore to encourage environmentally friendly production and value-added textile manufacturing in the handloom sector.
Design Studio for Thirubuvanam Silk
To expand market opportunities for Thirubuvanam silk products, a Design Studio will be established in Thirubuvanam, Thanjavur district, at a cost of ₹20 lakh.
In Kanniyakumari district, a modern sales complex will be established in Nagercoil at a cost of ₹1 crore to promote the sale of handloom fabrics and other handloom products.
Modernisation of Cooperative Spinning Mills
The government also plans to revamp the six cooperative spinning mills operating under the Tamil Nadu Textiles Department.
A Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared for the modernisation programme, with new machinery expected to be procured with financial assistance from the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).
Meanwhile, a feasibility study and DPR will be undertaken for establishing a Centre of Excellence for Home Textiles in Karur, a major textile manufacturing hub in Tamil Nadu.
The measures are aimed at improving the competitiveness of Tamil Nadu’s handloom and textile sectors while supporting weavers, modernising manufacturing infrastructure and creating new opportunities for domestic and international markets.