Tamil Nadu Assembly: 10% hike in wages and DA for handloom weavers, establishment of T.N. Knitwear Board announced

Tamil Nadu Minister M. Vijay Balaji. File | Photo Credit: S. Siva Saravanan Tamil Nadu Minister for Handlooms, Textiles and Khadi M. Vijay Balaji on Tuesday (September 1, 2026) announced that the basic wages and dearness allowance of weavers who are members of the handloom weavers’ cooperative societies in Tamil Nadu will be increased by 10%.The Minister also announced that Tamil Nadu Knitwear Board, comprising representatives of the government and various stakeholders will be established.Making the announcements for the Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles and Khadi Department, Mr. Balaji said under the Tamil Nadu Cooperative Handloom Weavers’ Savings and Security Scheme, the government’s contribution, currently fixed at 8%, will be increased to 16%.Perarignar Anna Handloom Silk Park, Natural Dye HouseTo facilitate the production of high-quality silk varieties and their export to foreign countries, a Silk Export Trade Facilitation Centre will be established at the Perarignar Anna Handloom Silk Park at Kancheepuram, the Minister said.To reduce the electricity expenditure of handloom weavers and promote environmental protection, 100% subsidy will be provided for installing solar panels in 1,000 handloom units. To promote environmental-friendly production and value-added textile production in the handloom sector, a Natural Dye House will be established at a cost of ₹1 crore, he said.Design Studio for Thirubuvanam silkTo expand the market opportunities for Thirubuvanam silk, a new Design Studio will be established at Thirubuvanam in Thanjavur district at a cost of ₹20 lakh. To promote the sale of handloom fabrics and other handloom products at Nagercoil in Kanniyakumari district, a modern sales complex will be established at a cost of ₹1 crore, the Minister said.To revamp the six cooperative spinning mills functioning under the Textiles Department in Tamil Nadu, a Detailed Project Report will be prepared, and new machinery will be procured with financial assistance from the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC). A Feasibility Study will be undertaken and a Detailed Project Report will be prepared for establishing a Centre of Excellence for Home Textiles in Karur, Mr. Balaji said. Published - September 01, 2026 01:45 pm IST