IIHT Salem received a significant boost as the Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, inaugurated the newly constructed academic building of the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology in Salem today,The event was attended by the Union Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh; R. Rajendran, State Minister of Tourism, T. M. Selvaganapathi, MP; S. R. Sivalingam,MP; S R Sivalingam, MP; E. Balasubramaniyan, MLA and Dr. M. Beena, IAS, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles.
During his inaugural address, Vice President, 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.
Addressing the gathering at IIHT Salem, Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh stated that the inauguration of the new Academic Block is not merely the opening of a building but a reaffirmation of the vision to empower weavers and modernise the handloom sector through a blend of simplicity, tradition and technology aligned with the goal of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. He highlighted IIHT Salem’s transformative contribution to strengthening Tamil Nadu’s textile ecosystem and developing skilled human resources for the handloom industry. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has expanded its global trade footprint from 10 FTAs with 19 countries until 2014 to 18 FTAs with 56 countries, enhancing market access for Indian textile and handloom products. He further noted that despite evolving global economic conditions, India’s textile and handloom exports continue to record steady growth, reaffirming the Government of India’s commitment to supporting the textile industry in Tamil Nadu through progressive policy measures.
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.
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