Vice President inaugurates the new academic building of Indian Institute of Handloom Technology in Salem
Vice President inaugurates the new academic building of Indian Institute of Handloom Technology in Salem
The Vice President of India, Shri. C. P. Radhakrishnan, inaugurated the newly constructed academic building of the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT) in Salem, Tamil Nadu today. The event was attended by the Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh; Shri R. Rajendran, State Minister of Tourism, Shri T. M. Selvaganapathi, MP; Shri S. R. Sivalingam,MP; Mr S R Sivalingam,MP; Shri E. Balasubramaniyan,MLA and Dr. M. Beena, IAS, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles.
During his inaugural address, Vice President, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, emphasising the role of educational institutions in strengthening the handloom sector, said that the Indian Institutes of Handloom Technology (IIHT) are providing education at affordable cost and encouraged the wards of weavers and other sections of society to avail these facilities. He further underscored the need for handloom weavers to align their production with contemporary market demand, while building upon their traditional skills and techniques, in order to enhance competitiveness and income generation.
The Vice President said that the Free Trade Agreements with 56 countries would not only benefit the textile sector but would also create growth opportunities for allied sectors such as leather and other manufacturing industries. Referring to recent trade negotiations, he stated that prior to discussions with the United States, the applicable tariffs were significantly higher.
Shri Giriraj Singh, the Union Minister of Textiles, in his address highlighted that the inauguration of the new Academic Block at IIHT Salem is not merely the opening of a building, but a reinforcement of the vision for empowering weavers and modernising the handloom sector. The confluence of simplicity, tradition and technology, he stated, is a collective step towards realising the goal of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.The Union Minister further underscored that IIHT Salem has played a transformative role in strengthening Tamil Nadu’s textile ecosystem and in nurturing skilled human resources for the handloom industry.He further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has significantly expanded its global trade engagement, noting that till 2014, India had signed 10 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with 19 countries, whereas at present, India has entered into 18 FTAs with 56 countries, thereby improving the market access for Indian textile and handloom products.The Union Minister further noted that in recent years, amidst evolving global and economic conditions, India’s textile and handloom exports have continued to register steady performance and growth. He reiterated that the Government of India remains fully committed to addressing the requirements of the textile industry in Tamil Nadu and is implementing progressive measures to promote handlooms and textiles in the State.
During the visit, the Vice President accompanied by the Union Minister of Textiles, toured the newly inaugurated Academic Block and interacted with weavers, faculty members and students, and observed the institutional initiatives aimed at strengthening technical education, skill development and research in the handloom and textile sector. On the occasion, the Hon’ble Vice President of India conferred medals and certificates upon meritorious students of the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, Salem, in recognition of their academic excellence and outstanding performance.
The Indian Institutes of Handloom Technology (IIHTs) constitute a national network of premier institutions under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, engaged in imparting technical education, training and research in the handloom sector. The IIHTs have been established with a clear mandate to provide structured technical education and skill development for the handloom and textile sector.
Among these institutions,the new Academic Building has been developed to augment institutional infrastructure and provide improved facilities for teaching, research and skill development. The building houses modern interactive classrooms, a well-equipped library and digital library, a seminar hall, faculty rooms, first-aid facilities and a board room, and also accommodates the Office of the Controller of Examinations serving all eleven Indian Institutes of Handloom Technology, along with other essential academic and administrative facilities. The upgraded classrooms, laboratories and training spaces are expected to enhance the quality of education and promote innovation, entrepreneurship and industry-ready competencies among students.
The opening of IIHT Salem to the public signifies a step forward for meaningful academic opportunities for the children of handloom weavers, while simultaneously strengthening the handloom sector. The Ministry of Textiles remains committed to promoting sustainable growth, market expansion and the welfare of weavers, while positioning handloom as a future-ready industry.