TN at forefront in implementing Central handloom schemes: Jaya

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa today said the state is at the forefront in implementing all Central schemes intended for development of the handloom sector and welfare of the weavers.
In her address, which was read out by Finance Minister O Panneerselvam at the National Handloom Day event here, she said: "Tamil Nadu has been at the forefront in implementing schemes for the handloom sector growth and welfare of the weavers like the Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Yojana, Weavers' Credit Card Scheme and Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana."
Stating that,"it is most appropriate that the first National Handloom Day function is being held in Chennai," she said Tamil Nadu held a pride of place in textiles and handlooms.

Handloom products from Tamil Nadu have won universal acclaim, like the Kanchipuram and Arani silk saris. "Madras checks" was a globally well recognized cotton textile design motif, she noted.
Giving details of state schemes for the benefit of handloom weavers and their families including Solar Green Houses, she also referred to initiatives aimed at retaining the interest of younger generations in handloom.
Promotion of use of pedal looms, electronic jacquards, pirn winding machines, motorized warping machines and jacquard lifting motors were among such initiatives, she said.
"I would like to reaffirm my government's commitment to the preservation and development of the handloom sector and the welfare of weavers," she added.