District Collector L. Madhubalan has warned powerloom owners and weavers against manufacturing textile varieties reserved exclusively for the handloom sector under the Handlooms (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act, 1985.In a statement, the Collector said the legislation was enacted by the Union government to protect the handloom sector from decline and safeguard the livelihoods of handloom weavers. To implement the Act, an Enforcement Wing has been functioning under the office of the Assistant Enforcement Officer at Tiruchengode since 1998.The Collector said production of 11 categories of textiles reserved for the handloom sector on powerlooms constitutes a violation of the Act. The reserved varieties include silk and cotton sarees and dhotis with zari-bordered designs, towels and angavastrams, lungis, blankets, bedspreads and furnishing fabrics, jamakkalams, dress materials, woollen blankets, shawls, woollen tweed and chaddar.He said violators would face prosecution through the police. Courts may impose a fine ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 for each powerloom, imprisonment for up to three months, or both.The Collector urged powerloom owners and weavers to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Handlooms (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act, 1985, and ensure compliance while undertaking production. Published - July 07, 2026 07:12 pm IST