Handlooms and Textiles Minister M. Vijay Balaji conducted an inspection of cooperative spinning mills and weavers' societies in Kanniyakumari, addressing worker rights and GST exemptions.

Key Takeaways

  • Minister M. Vijay Balaji inspected the Kanniyakumari District Cooperative Spinning Mills at Aralvaimozhi.
  • A formal request has been made to the Central Government to scrap the 5% GST on handloom products.
  • The Minister assured action regarding the regularization of temporary mill workers.
  • The Marthandam beekeepers' society received assurances for increased honey production and sales.

In a significant move to bolster the local textile and cooperative sectors, the Minister for Handlooms, Textiles, and Khadi, M. Vijay Balaji, conducted a comprehensive inspection of key cooperative institutions in Kanniyakumari on Saturday. Accompanied by Principal Secretary T.N. Venkatesh and Collector M. Prathap, the Minister visited the Kanniyakumari District Cooperative Spinning Mills in Aralvaimozhi and the Periyarasingan Street Primary Handloom Weavers Cooperative in Vadasery.

The Aralvaimozhi spinning mill, a cornerstone of local industry since its establishment in 1965, operates with 22,800 spindles. It produces a wide variety of yarn, including 20sK, 40sK, and specialized PC varieties. The Minister reviewed the daily production capacity and machinery efficiency, emphasizing the need to enhance quality to ensure long-term profitability for the 244 workers employed there.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the sustainability of cooperative societies in rural districts depends heavily on government intervention regarding taxation and labor stability. By addressing the demand for GST exemption and the regularization of temporary staff, the state government is attempting to stabilize a sector that is vital for rural employment but faces heavy competition from power looms.

The push to eliminate GST on handloom products is a decisive step toward making traditional Indian textiles economically viable in a modern market.

During his visit to the Vadasery weavers' society, the Minister noted impressive financial performance. In the 2025-2026 financial year, the society produced textiles worth ₹2.60 crore and achieved sales of ₹3.04 crore, maintaining a consistent profit margin. Furthermore, the Minister extended his support to the 1,433 members of the Marthandam beekeepers’ cooperative society, promising measures to boost the production and global reach of Marthandam honey.

Historical Background

The cooperative movement in Tamil Nadu, particularly in the spinning and weaving sectors, dates back decades to protect small-scale artisans from market volatility. These mills and societies were designed to provide collective bargaining power and shared resources to individual weavers and farmers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Minister's stance on GST for handloom products?
The Minister has met with the Union Textile Minister to request the cancellation of the 5% GST on handloom products to support weavers.

2. How many members are in the Marthandam beekeepers' society?
The society consists of 1,433 members dedicated to honey production.

Did You Know?: The Vadasery weavers' cooperative is a rare example of a cooperative society operating with continuous profit in the modern era.