The Bhavani District Handloom Union has called upon the Tamil Nadu government to revise stagnant wages and crack down on illegal powerlooms threatening the traditional Jamakkalam sector.

  • Basic wages for weavers have remained stagnant for 32 years.
  • Illegal powerlooms are causing significant economic distress to the handloom sector.
  • Union demands the establishment of a dedicated Jamakkalam Technical College in Bhavani.

The legendary Bhavani Jamakkalam industry, a cornerstone of the textile heritage in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu, is facing an existential crisis. The Bhavani District Handloom Jamakkalam, Bedsheet Weavers and Dyeing Workers’ Union has officially urged the state government to implement protective measures against the rising tide of unregulated powerloom competition.

During a high-level council meeting held at the Communist Party of India office in Bhavani on Monday, union leaders adopted several critical resolutions. Presided over by Union President P.R. Allimuthu, the meeting highlighted the dire economic conditions of the weavers, most notably the fact that basic wages have seen no revision in over three decades.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the encroachment of illegal powerlooms into the handloom market is not just an economic issue but a threat to the socio-economic fabric of rural Tamil Nadu. Without immediate policy intervention, the GI-tagged Jamakkalam craft risks losing its authenticity and its skilled workforce to urban migration.

The survival of the handloom sector depends on balancing technological advancement with the protection of artisanal livelihoods.

Beyond wage revisions, the union has proposed a strategic roadmap for revival, including the establishment of a Jamakkalam Technical College in Bhavani. Such an institution would ensure that traditional weaving techniques are modernized and passed down to future generations through formal training.

The union also raised concerns regarding cooperative societies, demanding that assets accumulated by these societies be managed through Co-optex. Furthermore, they requested a special three-month annual subsidy to assist cooperative societies in clearing unsold inventory and managing market fluctuations.

Key leaders, including AITUC State Secretary S. Chinnasamy and Erode District Handloom Weaving Workers’ Association General Secretary M. Varadharajan, emphasized that the confiscation of illegal powerloom units is non-negotiable to ensure a level playing field for authentic handloom products.

Did You Know?: The Bhavani Jamakkalam holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, certifying its unique origin and traditional manufacturing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Why are the weavers protesting?
Answer: They are protesting against 32 years of wage stagnation and the unfair competition posed by illegal powerlooms.

Question 2: What is the proposed solution for skill development?
Answer: The union has proposed setting up a specialized Jamakkalam Technical College in Bhavani.