Textile associations in Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts have urged the Tamil Nadu government to implement a new textile policy aimed at reviving the ailing industry. The policy should focus on supporting existing units and ensuring their long-term sustainability.
During a recent visit to the two districts on October 24 and 25, V. Amuthavalli, Secretary of the Handlooms, Textiles, and Khadi Department, held discussions with industry stakeholders. S.K. Sundararaman, Chairman of the Southern India Mills’ Association, highlighted the grim reality that only 60% of Tamil Nadu’s textile mills are currently operational. He expressed concern over the attractive investment incentives offered by states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, which are luring investments away from Tamil Nadu. Sundararaman warned that if the state government fails to take immediate action, the textile industry in Tamil Nadu could face extinction.
Sivalingam, a member of the Powerloom Development Export Promotion Council (Pdexcil), appealed for a supportive policy to upgrade power looms to shuttleless/rapierloom technology. This modernization would reduce production costs and potentially revive the livelihoods of nearly 50,000 powerloom owners in Somanur and Palladam.
A major challenge faced by the textile industry is the high cost of power. Tamil Nadu’s textile units are burdened with electricity tariffs of around ₹9.5 per unit. The associations have also requested the removal of charges for captive solar energy generation.
The Secretary assured industry representatives that their demands would be conveyed to the government. Lalitha, Director of Textiles, also participated in the meetings organised by the Regional Deputy Director of Textiles, Tiruppur.
