A local politician says that apart from the 1,000 free units of electricity provided to each power loom, there are hardly any government schemes for weavers here. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
In this Assembly constituency, which is home to the Sri Subramaniaswami shrine in Tiruttani, hundreds of power looms rattle and hum throughout the day to make cotton lungis and saris. They are part of a larger cluster of powerhouses spread across Arakkonam and Sholingur.
Over the last few years, the number of handlooms in Muruguru, which is about 3 km from the heart of the city, has decreased. “It was in 2000 that many weavers switched from handlooms to power looms. As I have grown old, I prefer to buy thread and paav from the company, sew the lungi and get paid ₹14 per meter as wages. I don’t have the strength to make and sell them myself.” I said I don’t even have money.
Published – 23 Mar 2026 01:02 IST
