Help is continuing to pour in for the flood-battered handloom weavers at Chendamangalam in Ernakulam.
Consumer durables maker Bajaj Electricals and logistics company Gati Ltd. are the new entrants to the bandwagon of India Inc joining hands with the State government in rejuvenating the industry, which was hit hard by the devastating floods.
Both the companies will contribute towards the estimated ₹5.13 crore required for re-building the handloom sector at Chendamangalam. The Cochin Shipyard and Petronet LNG have already expressed willingness to support the revival plan as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Government agencies, including Kerala State Handloom Weavers’ Cooperative Society (Hantex) and Kerala Artisans Development Corporation (KADCO), are also partnering in re-building the lives of the weavers at Chendamanglam, according to senior officials of the Industries Department. Government estimates showed that nearly 53 looms at Chendamangalam were completely destroyed in the floods. Preliminary assessment found that at least ₹50,000 was required to repair a single loom. Around 200 looms were destroyed partially, and ₹10,000 will be needed to repair them. Besides, an amount of ₹25.5 lakh is required to repair as many as 255 looms.
The Ernakulam District Industries Centre has been directed to include the two companies in the monitoring committee, which was formed to oversee the revival plan at Chendamangalam. Besides the funding partners, the committee includes MLAs V.D. Satheesan and S. Sarma, District Collector K. Mohammed Y Safirulla, and the president of the consortium of weavers at Chendamangalam.
Hantex will procure products manufactured by Chendamangalam weavers for the next six months. It will also supply the yarn required in each loom during this period. KADCO will undertake the repair work of the damaged looms.
The government hopes to complete the rejuvenation plan within a month after receiving the CSR funds. The companies have been requested to speed up the release of assistance considering the plight of hundreds of weavers at Chendamangalam in the post-flood scenario.
Chendamangalam weavers have received support from the fashion industry in the country. Leading designers are expected to visit the region in the coming days as part of showcasing the designer clothes manufactured by the weavers at prominent fashion shows in the country. Save the Loom, an online community working towards reviving the handloom industry in the country, has also come up with various plans to support the weavers.
