Bhavani Jamakkalam weavers seek wage revision, ban on illegal powerlooms
Handloom workers in Bhavani, Erode district, have urged the Tamil Nadu government to take immediate measures to protect the traditional Jamakkalam weaving industry, which they say is being threatened by the unregulated growth of powerlooms. The demand was raised at the council meeting of the Bhavani District Handloom Jamakkalam, Bedsheet Weavers and Dyeing Workers’ Union held on Monday at the Communist Party of India (CPI) office in Bhavani.
The union adopted several resolutions, including a call for the establishment of a Jamakkalam Technical College in Bhavani and the convening of a special conference to safeguard the handloom and Jamakkalam weaving sector. Union president P.R. Allimuthu presided over the meeting, while M. Varadharajan, general secretary of the Erode District Handloom Weaving Workers’ Association, inaugurated it. Other leaders present included association district president Ponnusamy, Construction Workers’ Association Erode North district secretary Kandasamy, and CPI Bhavani union secretary Kannan.
During the meeting, union secretary V. Sittayan presented the annual report, and treasurer Govindan presented the accounts. AITUC State secretary S. Chinnasamy spoke on the workers’ demands, which included a revision of the basic wage that has remained unchanged for 32 years. The union also demanded the annual payment of dearness allowance to handloom workers, a sector that employs thousands of families in the region.
A key demand was a complete ban on illegal powerlooms and the confiscation of such units. The union alleged that powerlooms are operating without proper registration and are producing imitation Jamakkalam fabrics at lower costs, undercutting the handloom industry and causing severe financial losses to traditional weavers. It argued that unchecked powerloom growth has led to job losses and the erosion of a craft that is integral to the cultural identity of Bhavani.
The union also called for the assets accumulated by cooperative societies to be acquired through Co-optex, the state-run handloom cooperative, to strengthen the marketing channel for genuine handloom products. In addition, it sought a special subsidy for three months each year to help cooperative societies clear unsold stock, which they said has accumulated due to falling demand and competition from powerlooms.
Bhavani Jamakkalam, known for its distinctive geometric patterns and durability, received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2014, recognising its unique origin and craftsmanship. The industry provides livelihood to a significant number of weavers, dyers, and allied workers in Erode district. However, weavers have repeatedly flagged issues such as low wages, lack of modern training facilities, and inadequate government support, which they say have made the sector increasingly unviable for younger generations.
The union’s resolutions are expected to be forwarded to the state government for consideration. Members also urged the government to involve weavers’ representatives in policy decisions and ensure that any support measures reach the grassroots level. They stressed that protecting the handloom sector is not just an economic necessity but also a cultural imperative, as Jamakkalam weaving has been passed down through generations and remains a symbol of the region’s heritage.
