CHENNAI: Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Tuesday came to the rescue of handloom and pedal-loom weavers in the State, passing several orders to protect their livelihood including procurement of handloom items like dhotis and saris produced by them throughout the year and payment of their dues on a weekly basis. At present, procurement of dhotis and saris produced by handloom weavers and pedal-loom weavers takes place only after getting the approval of higher authorities. Because of this, the products of weavers were not procured throughout the year causing great hardship to the weavers.So, the CM had ordered that quality checkups should be completed for the dhotis and saris manufactured by the weavers within seven days of production. As these items are procured only for six months in an year, the handloom and pedal-loom weavers face innumerable problems. As such, the dhotis and saris meant for free distribution should be procured everyday throughout the year from Tuesday onwards.Further, hereafter, the yarn required for weavers would be provided by the Handlooms Department instead of Co-optex.In yet another measure, the CM directed Co-optex to disburse the payment for weavers for their products like dhotis, cotton saris, silk saris, curtains, towels and lungis within a week of procurement. At present, payment is being made once in 40 to 60 days.Even if holidays fall within the week’s time, the payment should be made in the same week. Officials should send a weekly report to the Managing Director on the quantum of clothes procured and when the payment was made. Now, the payment for the procurement lists received from handloom weavers’ cooperative societies is being made once in a fortnight. Hereafter, payment should be made on the same day the procurement list is received. However, these rules would not be applicable for powerloom societies.
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