Tamil NaduWednesday, 2 September 2026·Hindu Tamil Thisai
Tamil Nadu announces 10% wage hike and higher welfare contributions for cooperative handloom weavers
Tamil Nadu announced a 10% wage hike for cooperative handloom weavers and raised welfare contribution rates, along with new textile and handloom sector projects.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In September 2026, Tamil Nadu’s Handlooms and Textiles Minister M. Vijay Balaji announced a 10% wage hike for cooperative cotton and silk handloom weavers in the Assembly, along with multiple sector-specific welfare and infrastructure measures.
Key specifics
- The basic wage and dearness allowance for cooperative cotton and silk handloom weavers will each be increased by 10%.
- The government contribution to the Weavers’ Savings and Security Scheme will rise from 8% to 16%.
- The welfare fund contribution for spinners and weavers will increase from 12% to 16%.
- Solar panels will be installed with 100% subsidy in 1,000 individual handlooms.
- New projects include a ₹2 crore Silk Export Trade Facilitation Centre in Kanchipuram and a ₹80 lakh design centre in Thirubuvanam.
Exam lens
Question type: Tamil Nadu welfare schemes and budget announcements; key facts: Minister M. Vijay Balaji, 10% wage hike, 8% to 16%, 12% to 16%, 1,000 looms, ₹2 crore Kanchipuram centre. TNPSC may ask about the revised contribution percentages or the new textile institutions.