CM Stalin Inaugurates ₹3 Crore Renovated ‘Anna Silk Sales Complex’ in Kanchipuram

Chennai, Nov 2025: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated the newly renovated “Anna Silk Sales Complex” of the Kanchipuram Arignar Anna Silk Handloom Weavers’ Cooperative Society, modernized at a cost of ₹3 crore, located at Tollal Pachaiyappan Street, Kanchipuram.

The inauguration was held virtually from the Chief Secretariat, in the presence of Minister for Handlooms and Textiles R. Gandhi, Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam, IAS, and senior department officials.

A Hub Showcasing Tamil Nadu’s Silk Heritage

The Kanchipuram Arignar Anna Silk Weavers’ Cooperative Society, established in 1971, has been operating profitably for decades. The newly upgraded sales complex, spread over 6,597 sq. ft., has been rebuilt under the State Handloom Development Scheme to promote and preserve Tamil Nadu’s rich handloom traditions.

The complex features an exclusive display and sales section for a wide range of premium silk and cotton products made by cooperative weavers from across the state. These include:

• Kanchipuram silk sarees, Arani silk, Thirubuvanam silk, Kumbakonam cotton, Salem silk and cotton sarees,
• Paramakudi chamber cottons, Dindigul tie & dye fabrics, Tirunelveli Seemai Puttas, Virudhunagar and Aruppukottai cotton fabrics,
• Nagarkoil cotton, Erode ‘Ponni’ lungis, Karur home textiles, Bedspreads, and household linen varieties.

The complex is designed with air-conditioning, modern interiors, and parking facilities to offer a comfortable shopping experience for customers and tourists.

Boost to Local Weavers and Economy

Officials stated that the renovated showroom is expected to generate sales worth ₹10 crore annually, providing substantial economic benefits to cooperative weavers and strengthening the traditional handloom sector in Kanchipuram.

Tamil Nadu, with over 1,112 handloom cooperative societies, is a leader in India’s handloom and textile industry, known worldwide for its craftsmanship, design diversity, and heritage silk varieties like Kanchipuram, Arani, Thirubuvanam, and Ponni lungis.

Through government-backed schemes, cooperative weavers are ensured fair wages, steady employment, and welfare benefits, safeguarding both their livelihoods and the cultural legacy of the state’s handloom craft.

Dignitaries Present

The inauguration was attended by Minister R. Gandhi (Handlooms & Textiles), Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam, IAS, Principal Secretary K. Amuthavalli, IAS, and Director of Handlooms and Textiles Mageswari Ravikumar, IAS, along with senior officials.