Department of Handlooms - கைத்தறி துறை

Distribution of Sarees Dhoties Scheme

This scheme was introduced during the year 1983 for fulfilling the clothing needs of 3.50 crore people in Tamil Nadu and thereby providing continuous employment to the weavers. On the eve of Pongal, sarees and dhotiesare being distributed to the people every year.For Pongal 2024, 1.77 crore sarees and 1.77 crore dhoties were distributed at a cost of Rs.449.47 crore.

Supply of Uniform to School Children

The Government is implementing the Supply of Uniform Scheme every year for the students who are studying in Government and Government Aided Schools. Under this scheme students studying from 1st standard to 8th standard who are the beneficiaries of Nutritious Meal Programme are benefited. Every year 4 sets of uniforms are being provided to the students under this scheme.

During the Academic Year 2023-2024, 534.84 lakh meters of Uniform Cloth varieties at a cost of Rs.408.63 Crore have been produced and supplied to Social Welfare Department for stitching uniforms for distribution to school children through School Education Department.

Continuous employment to handlooms and pedal loom weavers

In order to provide continuous employment to the Handloom Weavers engaged in Distribution of Sarees and Dhoties Scheme and Supply of Uniform Scheme, production plan is being issued to the Handloom Weavers Cooperative Societies for the period from January to June every year.

Rebate Subsidy Scheme

The Government of Tamil Nadu is implementing the Rebate Subsidy Scheme to promote the sales of handloom cloth and compete with private markets.
The Primary Handloom Weavers Co-operative Societies and Co-optex are permitted to allow rebate at the rate of 20% on the sale of handloom cloth throughout the year. This rebate is subject to a ceiling of 20% or Rs.100/- per unit, whichever is less for cotton varieties and 20% or Rs.200/- per unit, whichever is less for silk varieties.
To commemorate the birth anniversary of Perarignar Anna, an additional 10% Special Rebate, i.e, 30% or Rs.150 per unit, whichever is less for cotton varieties and 30% or Rs.300 per unit, whichever is less for silk varieties, is provided for a period of 139 days from 15th September to 31st January every year.
During the year 2023-24, the Government have allocated the Budget provision of Rs.250.00 crore and the same has been released to 852 Primary Handloom Weavers Co-operative Societies and Co-optex.

Free Electricity to Handlooms Weavers

The Free Electricity Scheme for Handloom Weavers is being implemented since 2006-07 with the aim of easing the financial burden of handloom weavers and providing them with better working conditions.

The Government has increased the free electricity supply from 200 to 300 units bimonthly, starting from March 3, 2023

In the year 2023-2024, a sum of Rs.12.48 crore was allocated and released to benefit 75,364 weavers.

Free and Subsidized Electricity to Powerloom weavers

The Free and Subsidized Electricity to Powerloom Weavers Scheme is being implemented since 2006-07 with a primary objective to support the growth of the powerloom industry and benefit powerloom weavers. The government has increased the free electricity supply from 750 to 1000 units bimonthly, starting from March 3, 2023 with subsidized electricity.

During the year 2023-24, the Government has allocated Rs.496.39 crore for the scheme, benefiting 1,62,799 powerloom weavers. The scheme will continue in 2024-25, with a budget of Rs. 563.18 crore.

Interest Subsidy Scheme

This scheme introduced during 1956 which was discontinued in 2002 and again reintroduced in 2008. Under the scheme Primary weaver cooperative societies are eligible to avail 6% interest subvention for the cash credit they avail from DCCB’s for the purpose of working capital.

During the year 2023-24, interest subsidy of Rs.14.73 crore has been disbursed to Primary Handloom Weavers Co-operative Societies.

Handlooms Support Programme

Technological Up-gradation
Design Development
Product Diversification
Brand Promotion & Position
Market Expansion
Working Capital Assistance and Research & Development components

Under the Technological Up-gradation component 30,227 looms and loom accessories were provided to handloom weavers at the cost of Rs.29.04 crore. Additionally, working capital assistance of Rs.30 crore has been sanctioned to 434 Handloom Weavers' Cooperative Societies. During the year from 2018-19 to 2024-2025, the Government have sanctioned Rs.180 crore for the implementation of Handloom Support programme.

Handlooms Weavers’ Housing Scheme

During the year 2021-22, Government announced a subsidy of 4.00 lakhs shall be provided for construction of houses to handloom weavers who live below poverty line. The scheme shall dovetail funds from Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana 'House for All' scheme. The Government of India share is Rs.79200 for rural areas and Rs.150000 for urban areas. The remaining subsidy which is borne by Government of Tamil Nadu. Under this scheme, it is proposed to construct 500 houses in rural areas and 500 houses in urban areas every year.

During 2022-23, Rs.10.74 Crore have been sanctioned as additional subsidy for the construction of 70 houses & 511 houses in Rural and Urban areas respectively.

Social Security Schemes

a) Tamilnadu Co-operative Handlooms Weavers' Savings and Security Scheme

The Government of Tamil Nadu is implementing the Tamilnadu Co-operative Handlooms Weavers’ Savings and Security Scheme from the year 1975.

Under this scheme, weavers who enrolled as members in the Handlooms Weavers Co-operative Societies are contributing 8 paise per rupee of wage earned by them and the State Government is also contributing an equal share of 8 paise per rupee. Both the weavers’ contribution and the State Government contribution are deposited in the respective Government Account.

The State Government allows 6.5% interest on the deposit amount under the Tamilnadu Co-operative Handlooms Weavers Savings and Security Scheme. The State Government have sanctioned an amount of Rs.23.94 crore for the year 2020-21 towards 6.5% interest on the deposits.

Under this scheme, till March 2022, 51,867 weavers have been enrolled as members. During the year 2021-22, the State Government have sanctioned a sum of Rs.10.32 crore towards State contribution as matching grant as against the weavers’ contribution.

A sum of Rs.12.00 crore has been allotted in the Budget Estimate towards State contribution and an amount of Rs.25.00 crore has been allotted towards 6.5% interest provided under the scheme for the year 2022-23.

b) Tamil Nadu Cooperative Handlooms Weavers' Old Age Pension Scheme

The Old Age Pension Scheme for Handlooms Weavers in the Co-operative fold is implemented by the State Government from 1997 onwards. The members enrolled under the Tamilnadu Co-operative Handlooms Weavers Savings and Security Scheme who attained the age of 60 years become eligible to get Tamilnadu Co-operative Handlooms Weaver Old Age Pension. The Government is providing Rs.1,000/- per month as Old Age Pension. 27,285 handlooms weavers are getting benefit under this scheme.

During the year 2021-22, the Government have sanctioned a sum of Rs.33.09 crore towards payment of Old Age Pension to 27,285 handlooms weavers.

Under the Old Age Pension and Family Pension Scheme, a sum of Rs.27.00 crore has been allotted in the Budget Estimate for the financial year 2022-23.

c) Tamil Nadu Co-operative Handlooms Weavers' Family Pension Scheme

For the benefit of deceased Handlooms Weavers’ family, the Government of Tamilnadu is implementing the Tamilnadu Co-operative Handlooms Weavers’ Family Pension Scheme since 01.01.1992.

In case of death of handlooms weaver member enrolled under Family Pension Scheme before attaining the age of 60 years, the nominee of the weaver is eligible to get Family Pension for a period of 10 years from the date of death of the weaver or upto the age of 60 years (if the deceased weaver would have been alive) whichever is beneficial to the weaver’s family. The Government is providing Rs.1,000/- per month as Family Pension to the nominee of deceased Handloom Weaver.

The Government have sanctioned a sum of Rs.1.61 crore in the year 2021-22 towards payment of Family Pension to the families of 1,251 handlooms weavers till March 2022.

Handlooms Weaver Life Insurance Scheme

An insurance scheme offering life insurance for death of handlooms weavers has been implemented by Government of India with State Share till 31.05.2020. This scheme has now been reintroduced under National Handlooms Development Programme from 2021-2022 onwards. As per the new guidelines, the scheme will be implemented for the benefit of handlooms weavers as under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) for the age group of 18 to 50 years, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) for the age group of 18 to 70 years and Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana (MGBBY) for the age group of 51 to 59 years.

The details of each scheme are given below:

Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)

The handlooms weavers in the age group of 18 to 50 years under co-operative fold, outside co-operative fold and ancillary workers are enrolled under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY).

Benefits

On death caused due to any reason, Rs.2,00,000/- is provided to the deceased weaver’s family under this scheme.

Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)

The handlooms weavers in the age group of 18 to 70 years under co-operative fold, outside co-operative fold and ancillary workers are enrolled under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).

Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana (MGBBY)

Under Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana (MGBBY), the handlooms weavers in the age group of 51-59 years under co-operative fold, outside co-operative fold and ancillary workers are enrolled under this scheme (who enrolled before 31.05.2017). No new enrollment under this scheme.

A number of 63,602 beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), 25,460 beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and 29,109 beneficiaries under Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana (MGBBY) will be renewed for the policy Year 2021-22.

Health Insurance Scheme for Handlooms Weavers

The “Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme” which has been implemented by Government of Tamil Nadu is now being integrated with Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). This integrated health insurance scheme provides coverage upto Rs.5 lakh per family per annum. The State Government have taken necessary action to bring all the eligible handlooms weavers under this Integrated Health Insurance Scheme.

Accordingly, steps have been taken for inclusion of 66,539 weavers families under the “Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme”. As on 31.03.2022, 57,105 handlooms weavers have been enrolled in the above scheme.

Weaver MUDRA Scheme

The Government of India have introduced the Weaver MUDRA Scheme under NHDP during the year 2016-17 to provide concessional credit to handloom sector through Nationalised Banks by providing margin money subsidy assistance of 20% of the loan amount.

Under this scheme, margined money assistance are provide to the individual weaver at rate of 20% subject to maximum of Rs.25000 and to the handloom organisation at rate of 20% subject to limit of Rs.2.00 lakhs for every 100 weavers.

Since the introduction of the Weaver Mudra Scheme in 2016-17 Tamil Nadu has been consistently occupies first place in providing Mudra loans to weavers till now.

During the year 2021-22 and 2022-23, a total of 27,010 MUDRA loans to the tune of Rs.132.40 crore were disbursed to the weavers. For the year 2023-24, a total of 10,445 MUDRA loans to the tune of Rs.59.27 crore were disbursed to the weavers.

National Handlooms Development Programme

National Handlooms Expo 2022 inaugural function held at Cooptex Ground, Egmore on 08.04.2022

3.13.1 Cluster Development Programme

The Government of India is implementing National Handlooms Development Programme (NHDP) to facilitate the sustainable development of handloom weavers located in identified handloom clusters into a cohesive, self managing and competitive socio-economic unit. The maximum amount of financial assistance provided by the Government of India to a cluster is up to Rs. 2.00 crore for 4 components. 58 Block Level Clusters were supported upto 2021-22 at a project cost of Rs.8863.59 lakh and 39,315 handloom weavers were benefited under this scheme. /p>

During the year 2022-23 and 2023-24, the Government of India have sanctioned 18 block level handloom cluster at a project cost of Rs.21.60 crore and released the 1st instalment of Rs.7.34 crores for the benefit of 4,571 weavers

Tamil Nadu Cooperative handloom weavers savings and security scheme

To inculcate the habit of savings in order to protect the future of the weavers, the Government is implementing the Tamil Nadu Co-operative Handloom Weavers’ Savings and Security Scheme from the year 1975. .

Under this scheme, enrolled members of the Handloom Weavers’ Co-operative Societies contributes 8 paise per rupee of wages earned by them and the State Government provides a matching share of 8 paise per rupee. The contribution made is being deposited in the Government account and bears an interest of 6.5%.

In order to help the weavers, the Government have reduced the subscription period from 25 years to 20 years during the year 2023 and the weavers who have completed 20 years in the scheme can avail the full amount.

As on 31.03.2024, 49,045 weavers have been enrolled as members under this scheme. During the year 2023-24, the State Government have sanctioned a sum of Rs.10.84 crore towards State Government contribution against the weavers’ contribution and Rs.26.14 crore towards 6.5% interest for the year 2022-23 on the deposits in the Tamil Nadu Co-operative Handloom Weavers Savings and Security Scheme.

Tamil Nadu handloom weavers old age pension scheme

The Government is implementing the Old Age Pension Scheme for Handloom Weavers in the Co-operative fold from the year 1997. The members enrolled under the Tamil Nadu Co-operative Handloom Weavers Savings and Security Scheme who attained the age of 60 years is eligible for Old Age Pension

The pension provided under this scheme is enhanced from Rs. 1000/- to Rs. 1200/- with effect from 1st August 2023. During the year 2023-2024, the Government have sanctioned Rs.40.13 crore as old age pension for the benefit of 28108 handloom weavers.

Tamil Nadu Cooperative Handloom Weavers Family Pension Scheme

The Government of Tamil Nadu is implementing the Tamil Nadu Co-operative Handloom Weavers’ Family Pension Scheme for the benefit of deceased Handloom Weavers’ family, since 1992.

On the decease of a handloom weaver before attaining the age of 60 years, the nominee is provided with Family Pension for a period of 10 years from the date of death of the weaver or upto the age of 60 years (if the deceased weaver would have been alive), whichever is beneficial to the weaver’s family.

The pension provided under this scheme is enhanced from Rs. 1000/- to Rs. 1200/- with effect from 1st August 2023.

Dr.MGR Handloom Weavers welfare trust

Dr.MGR Handloom Weavers Welfare Trust was formed in the year 1986 to encourage the wards of the weavers who are pursuing higher studies. Every year scholarships are provided to five male and five female students, who have secured first five places in X and XII Standard.

Scholarship ranging from Rs.1000/- to Rs.7500/- per annum is provided in 40 disciplines, based on the marks secured in X and XII standard or under graduate courses, as applicable, till they complete the course.

Scholarship amount of Rs.11,21,500/- has been sanctioned to 306 Students for the year 2021-22 and 2022-23.

Cluster Development Programme

The Government of India is implementing National Handlooms Development Programme (NHDP) to facilitate the sustainable development of handloom weavers located in identified handloom clusters into a cohesive, self-managing and competitive socio-economic unit. The maximum amount of financial assistance provided by the Government of India to a cluster is up to Rs. 2.00 crore for 4 components.

58 Block Level Clusters were supported up to 2021-22 at a project cost of Rs.8863.59 lakh and 39,315 handloom weavers were benefited under this scheme.

During the year 2022-23 and 2023-24, the Government of India have sanctioned 18 block level handloom clusters at a project cost of Rs.21.60 crore and released the 1st instalment of Rs.7.34 crores for the benefit of 4,571 weavers.

Stipend to students of IIHT, Salem

To encourage the wards of handloom weavers, priority is given to them in selection of candidates for Diploma Course in Handloom and Textile Technology (DHTT) in the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT), Salem.

The Government of Tamil Nadu is also providing stipend to the students of DHTT, since 1977.

Tamil Nadu Handloom and Handloom Silk Weaving Workers’ Board

Tamil Nadu Handloom and Handloom Silk Weaving Workers’ Welfare Board was established in the year 2000-01 to ensure the welfare of the weaving community.

Financial assistance, educational assistance, Insurance coverage for natural and accidental death and disability are being provided through this Board. As of 31.03.2024, 1,15,818 weavers have been enrolled in this Board, out of which 2,296 workers newly enrolled in 2023-24. During the year 2023-24, financial assistance to the extent of Rs.30.94 crore has been released to 18,260 beneficiaries.

Handloom Marketing Assistance

The objective of the handloom marketing assistance is to develop and promote the marketing channels in domestic as well as export markets and bring about linkage between the two in a holistic and integrated manner.

Financial assistance will be provided to conduct the following marketing events & expos:

National Handloom Expo – Rs.45 lakh
Special Handloom Expo – Rs.30 lakh
District Level Events – Rs.6 lakh

During the year 2023-2024, sales to the tune of Rs.6.56 crore were effected in 2 SHE & 2 DHE.

Tamil Nadu Powerloom Weaving Workers’ Welfare Board

The Government of Tamil Nadu established the “Tamil Nadu Powerloom Weaving Workers’ Welfare Board” during July 2009 under the Tamil Nadu Manual Workers’ (Regulation of Employment and Condition of Work) Act 1982 to implement various welfare schemes for the powerloom weaving workers.

Financial assistance, educational assistance, and insurance coverage for natural and accidental death and disability are being provided through this Board.

As of 31.03.2024, 91,776 workers have been enrolled in the Board, out of which 3,467 workers newly enrolled in 2023-24. During the year 2023-24, financial assistance to the extent of Rs.18.02 crore has been released to 15,854 beneficiaries.

Implementation of Handlooms (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act 1985

The Act aims at protecting the handlooms sector by reserving certain items for exclusive production by handlooms alone. Currently, the following 11 items are reserved for exclusive production by the handlooms:

To implement the above act, a separate enforcement machinery headed by Deputy Director (Enforcement) at Chennai is formed with 5 subsidiary offices at Salem, Thiruchengode, Erode, Tiruppur, and Madurai.

During 2023-24, 80,275 powerlooms were inspected and 76 FIRs were filed. 247 awareness campaigns were conducted, and 9257 weavers participated.

Registration of Handloom Products under Geographical Indication of Goods Act, 1999

Under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999, the following products have been registered by the Department of Handlooms:

Kancheepuram Silk Saree
Bhavani Jamakkalam
Madurai Sungadi Saree
Salem Silk Dhoti (Venpattu)
Arni Silk Saree
Kovai Kora Cotton Saree
Thirubhuvanam Silk Saree
Kandangi Saree
Negamam Cotton Sarees
Tirunelveli Chedibutta Sarees

Handloom Mark

To create an exclusive identity for handloom products and to improve their marketing in domestic as well as international markets, the “Handloom Mark” was launched by the Union Government on 28.06.2006.

As of date, 8,717 organizations/individuals have been registered, and 3.92 crore Handloom Marks were purchased in the State.

Silk Mark

The “Silk Mark” was introduced by the Government of India on 17.04.2004 to promote pure and natural silk products in domestic and international markets.

As of date, 1,310 organizations/individuals have been registered, and 11.50 lakh Silk Marks were purchased in the State.

India Handloom Brand

The “India Handloom” Brand was launched by the Government of India during the celebration of the 1st National Handloom Day on 7th August 2015 to endorse the quality of handloom products in terms of raw material, processing, establishment, weaving, design, and other parameters besides social and environmental compliance.

As of date, 178 organizations/individuals in Tamil Nadu have registered under the “India Handloom” Brand.