Handloom workers seek steps to protect Bhavani Jamakkalam industry

The Bhavani District Handloom Jamakkalam, Bedsheet Weavers and Dyeing Workers’ Union has urged the Tamil Nadu government to take steps to protect the handloom sector from the adverse impact of powerlooms.

At the union council meeting held at the Communist Party of India office in Bhavani of Erode district on Monday (August 17, 2026), several resolutions were adopted, including one seeking the establishment of a Jamakkalam Technical College in Bhavani and the convening of a conference to protect the handloom and Jamakkalam weaving industry.

The meeting was presided over by union president P.R. Allimuthu. Erode District Handloom Weaving Workers’ Association general secretary M. Varadharajan inaugurated the meeting. Association district president Ponnusamy, Construction Workers’ Association Erode North district secretary Kandasamy and CPI Bhavani union secretary Kannan addressed the meeting.

Union secretary V. Sittayan presented the annual report and treasurer Govindan the accounts. AITUC State secretary S. Chinnasamy spoke on the demands of the workers.

The union demanded revision of the basic wage, which, it said, had remained unchanged for 32 years, and payment of annual dearness allowance to handloom workers. It also sought a ban on illegal powerlooms and their confiscation, alleging that the units were affecting the handloom industry. The union further demanded that the assets accumulated by cooperative societies be acquired through Co-optex and sought a special subsidy for three months a year to enable cooperative societies to clear unsold stock.