Chennai, Aug 18 (IANS) Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Anbumani Ramadoss on Tuesday urged the Tamil Nadu government to withdraw its reported decision to close 10 Co-optex showrooms, warning that the move would adversely affect the livelihood of handloom weavers.

In a post on X, Anbumani said the government had ordered the closure of Co-optex outlets in cities including Cuddalore, Salem, Vellore and Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu, as well as locations in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. He said some outlets had already been closed, while sales had been suspended at a few others. Procurement had reportedly been stopped at the remaining showrooms, which were expected to shut within the next few weeks.

The decision was reportedly taken because of declining sales and revenue and as part of a downsizing exercise.

Anbumani, however, argued that Co-optex showrooms were closely linked to the livelihood of thousands of handloom weavers and should not be treated merely as commercial establishments.

Co-optex, the commercial brand of the Tamil Nadu Handloom Weavers’ Cooperative Society, was established in 1935 to market handloom products and improve the economic condition of weavers. Its stores were once popular among government employees and middle- and lower-income households, he said.

Anbumani alleged that the organisation’s present difficulties were the result of years of neglect and policies that indirectly benefited private textile companies. Co-optex reportedly had 200 outlets in 2015-16, including 133 in Tamil Nadu and 67 in other states and overseas markets. The number had fallen to around 150 by 2025-26, he claimed.

“If this situation continues, Co-optex, which is expected to celebrate its centenary in 2035, may be forced to shut down,” he warned, calling for urgent measures to revive the institution.

Referring to the ruling TVK’s election manifesto, Anbumani said the party had promised to establish “Vetri Loom” showrooms in all major cities and create a dedicated e-commerce brand to market Tamil Nadu’s handloom products internationally.

He said closing existing stores while promising new outlets exposed a contradiction between the government’s commitments and actions.

Anbumani urged the government to retain the 10 showrooms, open additional outlets across Tamil Nadu and other states, and rejuvenate Co-optex through modern marketing, e-commerce and improved sales strategies.

–IANS

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