R. Gandhi. File | Picture source: M. Periasamy
Handloom and Textiles Minister R. Gandhi said at the legislative session of Tamil Nadu on Thursday (17 April 2025) that the state government will take appropriate measures to address the ongoing wage revisions faced by Powerloom Weavers in the Coimbatore and Tiruppur areas. Weaver has been on strike indefinitely since March 19.
The minister is responding to a special call to attention motion proposed by the leader of opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who seeks immediate intervention by the state government on the issue. He said about 1.5 million jobs workforces operate on salary bases in both areas, and since January 2024, the job Powerloom Weavers has been asking for an increase in wages. Mr Palaniswami said they are seeking a fair wage hike as electricity bills rise, the cost of living and the price of spare parts.
He also said that some protesters have been in a hurry over the past few days. Despite discussions by officials, no agreement has been reached. As a result, the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of workers were affected. Mr Palaniswami said the government should discuss with Powerloom Weavers, who are protesting, and address their concerns immediately.
Free electricity
Mr Gandhi said that when listing the steps taken by the state government for the welfare of Powerloom weaver, Chief Minister MK Stalin ordered the increase of free power from 750 units to repeated Powerloom units.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu said the state government has thoroughly understood the importance of the issue and will take quick steps to resolve the deadlock.
Electricity, ban and excise tax V. Senthilbalaji said nearly 163,000 Powerloom units benefited from enhanced free power quotas, of which 1.27 billion units recorded zero electricity bills. He added that so far, the state government has granted Rs 57.1 crore of electricity subsidy to Powerloom units.
publishing – April 17, 2025 04:23 pm ist
