Buy handloom to better lives of weavers, says EPS

“I appeal to the people to buy silk and cotton produced by handloom weavers using advanced technologies to enhance their livelihood,” said the CM in a statement. He also extended his wishes for handloom weavers on the eve of National Handloom Day.

National Handloom Day is celebrated every year on August 7 to mark the commencement of Swadeshi movement in 1905 which stressed the importance of indigenous products, especially dresses.

Palaniswami also said that handloom industry provides employment to large number of people, only next to farming, and contributes substantially for the country’s economy. The history of handloom products extends beyond the last millennium in the State.

At present, there are 1,137 handloom cooperative associations under which 2.51 lakh handlooms units are functioning. With the intention to improve their livelihood, the State government has been implementing various schemes such as distribution of free dhotis and sarees to people and four sets of uniforms for students studying in government and government aided schools.

Government is also providing discount of 30 per cent in sales on the occasion of birth anniversary of former Chief Minister CN Annadurai from September 15 to January 31 every year and has been providing pension for handloom weavers.