Dr. S. K. Sundararaman, Chairman of The Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA), has expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru. M. K. Stalin, for presenting a visionary State Budget 2025-26. This budget introduces innovative proposals and strategic allocations aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of industries in Tamil Nadu, particularly the Textiles & Clothing (T&C) sector, which accounts for one-third of the nation’s textile manufacturing capacity.
Dr. Sundararaman also extended his appreciation to the Hon’ble Minister for Handlooms and Textiles, Thiru. R. Gandhi, and the Hon’ble Minister for Finance and Environment Climate Change, Thiru. Thangam Thennarasu, for their persistent efforts in securing key announcements for the T&C industry. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the sector in recent years due to market fluctuations, both domestically and globally. The State Government’s proactive approach in addressing these concerns through special budgetary provisions is a significant step towards enhancing the sector’s competitiveness and value addition.
Key Budget Announcements Benefiting the Textile Sector:
- Powerloom Modernization:
- Allocation of Rs. 30 crores for upgrading plain powerlooms (older than three years) into shuttleless looms.
- This initiative will enable powerloom weavers to manufacture high-value, superior-quality fabrics at a competitive cost.
- The transition to modern shuttleless looms is expected to enhance earnings for powerloom weavers.
- Garments & Made-Ups Industry Support:
- Rs. 50 crores allocated over five years to establish Common Facility Centres (CFCs) for computerized fabric cutting.
- This will significantly benefit MSME garment and made-up clusters in Tiruppur, Karur, Virudhunagar, Chennai, and other regions.
- Fully automated cutting machines will:
- Increase fabric realization by 7-10%.
- Enable the production of modern fashion garments and home textiles with higher precision and quality.
- Reduce production costs, strengthening the competitiveness of small and medium-sized sewing units.
- Technical Textiles Growth:
- Rs. 15 crores earmarked for the Tamil Nadu Technical Textile Mission.
- This will encourage both existing manufacturers and new investors to diversify into technical textiles, positioning Tamil Nadu as a key player in this emerging segment.
- Infrastructure Development for Powerloom Clusters:
- Rs. 20 crores allocated for developing loom sheds, Common Facility Centres (CFCs), and quality testing laboratories.
- This move aims to enhance the export potential of powerloom clusters.
A Unique Budget with a Progressive Vision
Dr. Sundararaman emphasized that the Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 stands out as a pioneering initiative compared to other states. The government’s strong focus on modernizing existing manufacturing facilities and sustaining global competitiveness underscores its commitment to industrial growth and economic progress.
SIMA commends the government for its forward-thinking policies, ensuring Tamil Nadu remains at the forefront of India’s textile industry and continues to thrive in the global market.
