The Tamil Nadu Government has announced new schemes for promoting handloom, textile and khadi industries. A sum of Rs 175.23 crore would be spent on modernising six cooperative mills in the State. For the benefit of powerloom workers, 50 per cent subsidy would be provided to around 1,500 employees towards their insurance premium.
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.
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, comber machines and open end spinning machines.