Co-Optex to explore new markets in India and abroad through ‘franchise model showrooms’: Minister

During a debate on the Demands for Grants for his department in the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Gandhi said the scheme has been introduced to increase the sale of various types of handlooms and ensure that customers have access to high-quality handloom products. “The weavers will get continuous employment through his scheme. The franchise model showrooms will be set up across India and abroad,” he said.

He further said the Co-Optex website, through which its products can be bought by customers from around the world, will be improved with an investment of ₹20 lakh. Co-Optex will seek to expand its ready-made shirts market by introducing 5,000 wrinkle-free shirts produced at a cost of ₹35 lakh. He announced a ‘sales incentive’, rolled out at a cost of ₹50 lakh per annum, for the staff working at Co-Optex showrooms, who can boost the sales of handloom products. An XRF Zari Analyser, which costs ₹25 lakh, will be installed at the Tamil Nadu Zari Factory in Kancheepuram to test for gold and silver in zari-based products.

Mr. Gandhi also announced that the State government will organise five ‘Special Handloom Expos’ at a cost of ₹1.50 crore to boost sales, and increase the ‘Best Designer Award’ prize for best marketable handloom and silk products from ₹25,000 to ₹1,00,000. The second prize winner will get ₹75,000 instead of ₹10,000, and the third prize winner will receive ₹50,000 instead of ₹5,000. Also, 60 talented weavers, who produce handloom products, will receive the Talented Weavers Award with an increased prize money.

Pension rules

The condition that a weaver should have worked for six months between the ages of 59 and 60 to receive pension after 60 years of age as a member of Handloom Weaver Savings and Security Scheme has been relaxed, and as per the new rule, it is enough for the member to have worked for a year between the ages of 56 and 60 to receive pension.

Loom Work Sheds will be set up at a cost of ₹36 lakh for Handloom Weavers Co-operative Societies in Kanjamanathanpettai and Bhuvanagiri in Cuddalore districts. Three handloom co-operative societies in Erode will receive 27 modernised sewing machines at a cost of ₹12 lakh, the Minister further said.

 Source: The Hindu