Vice-President inaugurates new academic block of IIHT Salem
The Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, on Thursday inaugurated the newly constructed academic building of the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT), Salem, strengthening institutional capacity for India’s handloom sector.
The event was attended by Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh, Tamil Nadu Minister for Tourism Shri R. Rajendran, Members of Parliament T. M. Selvaganapathi and S. R. Sivalingam, MLA E. Balasubramaniyan, and Dr. M. Beena, IAS, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), among other dignitaries.
In his address, the Vice President emphasised the critical role of IIHTs in strengthening the handloom ecosystem through accessible technical education.
He encouraged the children of handloom weavers and other sections of society to avail the affordable educational opportunities offered by the Institutes.
Shri Radhakrishnan also urged weavers to align their production with contemporary market demands while preserving traditional craftsmanship, in order to enhance competitiveness and improve income generation.
Referring to global trade developments, the Vice President noted that India’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with 56 countries would open new growth avenues for textiles and allied sectors such as leather and manufacturing.
He observed that recent trade negotiations, including those with the United States, have resulted in more favourable tariff frameworks compared to earlier regimes.
Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh described the new Academic Block as more than an infrastructure addition, calling it a reaffirmation of the Government’s commitment to modernising the handloom sector while empowering weavers.
“The confluence of simplicity, tradition and technology is a collective step towards realising the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he said.
The Minister highlighted that while India had signed 10 FTAs with 19 countries until 2014, the number has now expanded to 18 FTAs with 56 countries, improving global market access for Indian textile and handloom products.