Unveiling the new schemes, chief minister J Jayalalithaa said handloom, handicraft, textile and khadi industries contribute the second highest revenue to the state, next only to agriculture.
She said the government would invest Rs 175.23 crore for modernisation of six cooperative mills in the state. These mills currently make yarn for the government's free dhoti/sari scheme and also for the free uniform scheme to school children. A part of the sum would be utilised to purchase twister and doubling machines and comber machines and open end spinning machines.
Around 1,500 people are employed in 1,357 handloom and machine loom cooperative associations in the state. For the benefit of these powerloom workers, 50 per cent subsidy will be provided towards their insurance premium, the chief minister said. (RKS)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India