In a move aimed at revitalizing the handloom sector and expanding its global footprint, Tamil Nadu Handlooms and Textiles Minister R. Gandhi announced the launch of a new ‘Franchise Model Showrooms’ initiative for Co-Optex. The announcement was made during the Legislative Assembly’s discussion on the Demands for Grants for his department.

The franchise model is designed to widen Co-Optex’s market share both within India and abroad. “This scheme will help increase sales of various handloom products while providing consistent employment opportunities to weavers,” said the Minister. The showrooms will be strategically launched across the country and in international markets.

As part of the broader digital and product expansion strategy, the Co-Optex website will also undergo an upgrade with an investment of ₹20 lakh to improve customer accessibility worldwide. In addition, the brand plans to roll out 5,000 wrinkle-free ready-made shirts produced at a cost of ₹35 lakh, as part of its effort to capture the ready-made garments market.

To further incentivize performance, a sales incentive program costing ₹50 lakh annually will be implemented for staff at Co-Optex showrooms who help drive handloom sales.

In a boost to quality assurance, an XRF Zari Analyser worth ₹25 lakh will be installed at the Tamil Nadu Zari Factory in Kancheepuram. This state-of-the-art equipment will test for gold and silver content in zari products, ensuring authenticity and high standards.

The State government has also earmarked ₹1.50 crore to organize five Special Handloom Expos to increase visibility and sales of handloom products. Additionally, prize money for the Best Designer Awards has been significantly enhanced. The first prize has been increased from ₹25,000 to ₹1,00,000, second prize from ₹10,000 to ₹75,000, and third prize from ₹5,000 to ₹50,000. Sixty talented weavers will also be honored with the Talented Weavers Award, with revised prize amounts to recognize their craftsmanship.

In a relief for aging weavers, the government has relaxed pension eligibility rules under the Handloom Weaver Savings and Security Scheme. Now, members who have worked for a year between the ages of 56 and 60 will qualify for pensions, replacing the earlier requirement of six months of work between ages 59 and 60.

Infrastructure development was also addressed. Loom Work Sheds worth ₹36 lakh will be constructed for Handloom Weavers’ Co-operative Societies in Kanjamanathanpettai and Bhuvanagiri (Cuddalore district). Additionally, three co-operative societies in Erode will receive 27 modernized sewing machines at a total cost of ₹12 lakh.

These initiatives collectively reflect the Tamil Nadu government’s commitment to preserving its rich handloom heritage while modernizing and expanding Co-Optex’s reach for a new generation of customers at home and abroad.