Weavers call off protest march at Rajapalayam
Weavers in Rajapalayam have called off their protest after government officials promised to address their demands regarding wage increases and the procurement of old stock. The government also agreed to reimburse societies for loom modification costs and will consider providing monthly financial assistance to weavers facing unemployment.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing economic struggles of the handloom sector in India and the effectiveness of collective bargaining in securing government intervention.
After a massive turn-out of weavers for the ‘wait-in’ protest at Rajapalayam Taluk office on Tuesday, officials held talks with representatives of their societies and political parties and promised to fulfill all their demands soon.
Subsequently, the weavers called off their march from Gandhi Statue junction to the taluk office and the ‘wait-in’ protest.
Rajapalayam Tahsildar Rahul Gandhi and Virudhunagar District Assistant Director (Handlooms) Cheran held talks with representatives of the weavers.
During the talks, they said that consultative meetings with weavers in all districts with regard to increase in wages were being held. After conc;usion of the meetings, their demand for increase in wages for production of each saree from the proposed ₹114 to ₹250 would be considered.
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