COIMBATORE: Powerloom associations from across Tamil Nadu have come together as a
federation
to press for their demands including exempting them from Electricity (Amendment) Bill.
The Tamil Nadu Federation of Powerloom Associations has also sought loan waivers to the tune of Rs 65crore for
powerlooms
across the state, which were unable to pay it back, and the removal of anti-dumping duty on viscose staple fibre.
A total of 45 powerloom associations form the state have come together under the banner Tamil Nadu Federation of Powerloom Associations.
Representatives said at present, powerlooms were being given 750 units of power free for two months. “If the Electricity (Amendment) Bill is brought in, we wouldn’t get the benefit, and also there is a high chance that power generation and distribution would be privatised,” said a representative of the federation.
They also demanded that powerlooms be allotted the fabric types that they were producing now, such as that for handlooms, so that only powerlooms can produce them.
“We also seek that the production of fabric for the state’s free school uniform, sari, and dhoti schemes should be given to powerlooms all around the year. Now we get orders only for three to four months,” said the representatives.
The federation said LKM Suresh from Erode is its president, R Velusami from Palladam is the secretary, K Balasubramaniam from Chithode is the treasurer and TSA Subramanian from Sankarankovil is the coordinator.