Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Tamil Nadu Raises Handloom Weavers’ Wages and Benefits
Tamil Nadu plans to give cooperative handloom weavers more money.
Their basic wages and Dearness Allowance will each increase by 10 percent.
The government will also pay a larger share into their savings and security scheme.
New business owners in the handloom industry may receive yearly subsidies.
A new centre in Kanchipuram will help silk makers sell their products abroad.
Solar panels will be fully subsidized at 100 weaving centres to reduce electricity costs.
Natural dye houses will use ingredients that are less harmful to soil and water.
New design and exhibition programmes will try to make handloom products more attractive to younger buyers.
Tamil Nadu announced a 10% increase in basic wages and Dearness Allowance for cooperative handloom weavers.
The government contribution to the weavers’ savings and security scheme will rise from 8% to 16%.
New handloom entrepreneurs may receive subsidies of up to Rs. 2.5 lakh per year.
A silk export facilitation centre will be established in Kanchipuram, alongside new design and marketing initiatives.
Solar panels will receive full subsidies at 100 weaving centres, while natural dye houses will support environmentally friendly production.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu’s handloom weavers’ cooperative societies and the state government, represented by Handlooms Minister M. Vijay Balaji.
- What
- The government announced wage and Dearness Allowance increases, stronger social-security support, subsidies, export facilities, solar assistance and design initiatives.
- When
- The announcements were made on Tuesday during the Assembly discussion on demands for grants to the handloom ministry.
- Where
- Tamil Nadu, including Kanchipuram, Thirubhuvanam in Thanjavur and 100 handloom weaving centres.
- Why
- To strengthen weaver security, reduce costs, encourage entrepreneurship, improve designs and expand domestic and international markets.
- Basic wage increase
- 10% for weavers who belong to cotton and silk handloom cooperative societies.
- Dearness Allowance increase
- 10%.
- Savings and security contribution
- The government contribution will increase from 8% to 16%.
- Entrepreneur subsidy
- New handloom entrepreneurs may receive subsidies of up to Rs. 2.5 lakh per year.
- Export facility
- A Silk Export Trade Facilitation Centre will be established in Kanchipuram.
- Solar support
- A 100% subsidy will be provided for solar panels at 100 handloom weaving centres.
- Design initiative
- A design studio will be set up at Thirubhuvanam in Thanjavur.