Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan has asserted that India’s textile and industrial sectors will experience significant growth following the reduction of US tax to 18% and the free trade agreement with European countries. In his inaugural speech at the inauguration of the new academic block at the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology in Salem, Radhakrishnan highlighted Salem’s reputation for mangoes and its prominent handloom weaving industry and praised the efforts of weavers and emphasised the importance of preserving traditional weaving heritage. The Vice President mentioned that the Central Government has been making efforts to promote the textile industry and noted that the recent agreement with European countries will provide new opportunities for India’s textile sector, enabling it to compete with China and Bangladesh.

Praising Prime Minister Modi’s initiatives, including the Smart City project, he has said that several cities in Tamil Nadu have benefited from the projects. He expressed confidence that the government’s efforts will lead to significant growth in the textile industry and improve the lives of weavers. He urged the textile industry to utilise the institute’s resources and suggested that the Central Government be approached to enhance Salem College’s facilities. The Vice President said that the Union Government is taking several steps to facilitate the upgrading of skills of the weavers to adapt to global standards. emphasised the need for weavers to upgrade their skills and adapt to global expectations, stating that the Central Government is taking steps to facilitate this transformation.