Kerala’s Minister for Law, Industry, and Coir, P. Rajeeve, recently declared that the State Handloom Conclave could herald a transformative era for the region’s handloom industry. Speaking at the inaugural event in Kannur’s RUBCO auditorium, Minister Rajeeve outlined the government’s commitment to supporting this vital sector.
A key announcement from the Minister included the government’s decision to disburse two months of outstanding wages to handloom workers operating under cooperative societies. This financial relief is a a crucial step in the roadmap for the sector’s development, which is being meticulously planned through 2031 at the ongoing conclave.
To ensure a holistic approach, an expert committee has been formed. This committee is tasked with the comprehensive development of the handloom, coir, and cashew industries, and will provide recommendations for diversification and modernization strategies based on its findings.
Currently, Kerala boasts 539 registered handloom cooperative societies, with 159 of them demonstrating profitability and collectively employing 13,500 skilled workers. Impressively, a total of ₹655.56 crore has been injected into the sector to date, with ₹397.19 crore specifically allocated for wages. Of this, a substantial ₹220 crore has been disbursed since the inception of the current government.
Minister Rajeeve emphasized that the insights and proposals generated during the conclave will be instrumental in shaping future government schemes. These initiatives will focus on critical areas such as enhancing digital marketing efforts, embracing modern design trends, and promoting responsible consumption practices within the handloom industry.
He further highlighted the remarkable success of the school uniform project, an initiative by the previous LDF government, which breathed new life into the handloom sector and garnered international recognition as a model for sustainable development. Additionally, the introduction of the ‘K Brand’ for Kerala handlooms, also a result of expert committee recommendations, has paved the way for increased private sector involvement and global acknowledgment through innovative product development.
The event was presided over by MLA K.V. Sumesh and attended by other distinguished guests, including MLAs K.K. Shailaja and M. Vijin, underscoring the collective support for the handloom industry’s future in Kerala.