Kanchipuram: Weavers in Kanchipuram, famous for its silk sarees, have sought a bailout package from the government including waiver of loans and bringing down of high cost of silver.

Over hundred weavers met local MP P. Viswanathan with a plea to take up their grievances with textiles minister Dayanadhi Maran.

At a recent meeting they suggested that there should be a comprehensive textile complex at weaving centres like Kanchipuram where standardised inputs like raw silk dye stuff, zari and essential weaving equipment should be available.

They said the assistance given by the Centre’s Textiles Development Corporation should be channelised through societies which have duly elected members.

According to trade sources, inputs like raw silk and zari are freely available. As a result productivity and earnings have been hit, pushing the weavers into debt.

The weavers sought waiver of loans secured from the Central Cooperative Banks. They said the main reason for the hike in the cost of zaris was the soaring cost of silver, which has been pushed up by forward trading online. The government should consider providing silver at controlled prices for manufacturing zari.