January 11, 2002

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    Government had decided to equip all the 24 Weavers’ Service Centres with latest equipments including Computer Aided Textile Design Centres so that the Handloom sector could compete with the other sectors effectively. While inaugurating Weavers’ Service Centre’s Building at Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu, the Minister of Textile, Shri Kashi Ram Rana urged upon the weavers, apex bodies and exporters to take full advantage of the services from Weavers’ Service Centres. The Kancheepuram Weavers’ Service Centre’s building has been built at the cost of Rs. 86 lacs and is catering to the interest of handloom weavers in the districts of Kancheepuram, Vellore, Thiruvannamalai, Thanjavur and Thiruvarur. This Centre has taken up 18 projects apart from the activities of designs, product development and training with the aim to revive the ancient heritage and traditions of Kancheepuram, he said. The samples developed by this Centre have become very popular amongst the handloom weavers and the exporters in the production of handloom clothes. Shri Rana said that Kancheepuram sarees and fabric are world famous for their traditions and unparalleled quality and aesthetics.

    In order to keep up the ancient heritage and traditions, Government has always paid attention towards the development of the cottage industry. Based on the recommendations of All India Handloom Board, Weavers’ Service Centres were set up in 1956 in some parts of the country including Kancheepuram. The Weavers’ Service Centres have a multiple role to play for handloom weaver. The charter of services of these Centres include – Design Development, Training, Exhibition, Research and Development, Synergy Efforts, Advisory Role, Market Support and Promotion of Excellence.