---
title: "Tamil Nadu CM Launches HANDTEX 2026 and Special Weaver Support Initiatives"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/cm-vijay-handtex-2026-national-handloom-day-weaver-grants-dgesl
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: India
published: 2026-08-07T18:56:42.000Z
modified: 2026-08-07T22:01:02.672Z
language: en-IN
---

# Tamil Nadu CM Launches HANDTEX 2026 and Special Weaver Support Initiatives

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay officially opened the HANDTEX 2026 exhibition at Kalaivanar Arangam to honor National Handloom Day. The event included the distribution of financial grants and the launch of the Vetri Thari special sale by Co-optex.

## Key takeaways

- Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay inaugurated the HANDTEX 2026 exhibition at Kalaivanar Arangam.
- The state distributed ₹22.25 lakh in financial aid to 11 individual weavers.
- National Handloom Day honors the 1905 Swadeshi Movement on August 7 each year.
- Co-optex launched its Vetri Thari special sale to boost commercial handloom interest.

## Observing National Handloom Day

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay visited Kalaivanar Arangam on Friday to lead ceremonies for National Handloom Day. The occasion commemorates the 1905 start of the Swadeshi Movement. During the event, the Chief Minister inaugurated HANDTEX 2026, a comprehensive commercial sales exhibition designed to showcase regional textile craftsmanship.

## Financial Support and Recognition for Weavers

As part of the government's efforts to support the local textile industry, Chief Minister Vijay distributed financial assistance packages. A total of ₹22.25 lakh was allocated among 11 selected weavers. In addition to the monetary aid, the Chief Minister presented certificates of appreciation to honor their contributions to the craft.

## Retail Expansion and Co-optex Initiatives

The ceremony served as the official launch for Co-optex’s Vetri Thari special sale. This initiative aims to drive interest in handloom products through a dedicated commercial exhibition. According to an official release, these combined efforts are intended to strengthen the economic standing of the state's weaving community while promoting the historical legacy of the industry.

Source: The Hindu — National

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/cm-vijay-handtex-2026-national-handloom-day-weaver-grants-dgesl
Reported from: The Hindu — National