Production of handloom dhotis has begun at weavers’ cooperative societies in Tamil Nadu after yarn was procured and distributed, Minister for Handlooms and Textiles M. Vijay Balaji said on Saturday (August 22).

He said 1 tonne of 60-count yarn required for weaving dhotis was procured from a private company and supplied to weavers’ cooperative societies. The government had allocated ₹300 crore for the initiative, he said.

He said former AIADMK Minister R.B. Udhayakumar had criticised the government without being aware that the yarn had already been procured and production had begun.

Responding to the demand from weavers for higher wages for weaving dhotis and sarees, Mr. Balaji said the government would hold discussions with the weavers before taking a decision.

During an inspection of the Erode Corporation Central Bus Stand, the Minister told reporters that seven breastfeeding rooms set up at the bus stand with CSR funds had been inaugurated. RO drinking water facilities would also be installed nearby, he said.

The vegetable market currently functioning at VOC Park would be shifted back to the site of the old vegetable market, he said. Since VOC Park was meant for public use, it could be used for exhibitions, circuses and other public events. The park would also be improved to provide better facilities for recreation and walking, he added.

On traders’ opposition to shifting to the new vegetable market constructed by the Corporation in the Solar area, Mr. Balaji said discussions would be held with traders and Corporation officials to resolve the issue.

On the State government’s decision to provide cars to MLAs after a legislator raised the issue of not having a vehicle in the Assembly, the Minister said MLAs without vehicles could make use of the scheme despite opposition from some political parties.

Published - August 22, 2026 07:08 pm IST