Collector S. Kandasamy has warned that strict legal action will be initiated against those producing handloom-reserved textile varieties on powerlooms in the district.
In a release, he said the Handloom (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act, 1985, is being implemented to safeguard the handloom sector and protect the livelihood of weavers. To ensure effective enforcement of the Act, a dedicated Handloom Enforcement Wing office is functioning at Surampatti in Erode.
Under the Act, 11 varieties, including cotton and silk sarees with patta border designs, dhoti, angavastram, lungi, bed sheets, dress materials and jamakkalam, are reserved exclusively for handloom production. Manufacturing these items on powerlooms constitutes an offence.
He said enforcement teams are conducting daily inspections to detect violations. If handloom-reserved varieties are found produced on powerlooms, complaints will be lodged with the police and action will be taken through the courts. The offence is punishable with imprisonment up to six months, or a fine of ₹5,000 per loom, or both.
For further details regarding handloom-reserved varieties, the public may contact the District Handloom Enforcement Wing at 0424-2275142 or 73732 77596, he added.
Published – December 16, 2025 06:28 pm IST
