Silver anklet manufacturers have urged the government to provide subsidies for the shops in the newly constructed Silver Anklet Flatted Factory Complex at Ariyagoundampatti in Salem district. They alleged that the amount fixed for the shops was equal to the market rate.

Over one lakh people are involved in silver anklet manufacturing in Salem. The units are largely functioning in Shevapet, Sivathapuram, Panankadu, Maniyanoor, Nethimedu, Seelanaickenpatti, Sethampatti, Ponnammapet, and Kondalampatti. Apart from anklets, various silver products are manufactured in Salem and exported to States such as Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

As there are many stages, including melting and polishing, in the manufacturing of silver anklets and other products, it has to be transported from one place to another for finishing. So the manufacturers demanded a common facility to carry out all stages of manufacturing of silver products, especially anklets.

Considering their demand, the State Government constructed the Silver Anklet Flatted Factory Complex at ₹25.29 crore on 1.20 acres with 102 rooms. The complex was inaugurated by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in March this year.

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation Limited (SIDCO) issued a government order fixing the shop price at ₹4,200 per sq.ft. and invited bidders for the auction. Application for the shops can be submitted till July 22. 

Salem Silver Anklet Manufacturers Handicraft Welfare Association president C. Sree Anandharajan said that the shops are available from 406 sq. ft. to 689 sq. ft. So, as per the amount fixed by the SIDCO, the shop price ranges from ₹17 lakh to ₹28 lakh, which is equal to the market price. To participate in the bidding, one has to pay ₹48,600, which includes Earnest Money Deposit ₹25,000, processing fee ₹15,000, application fee ₹5,000 and GST ₹3,600.

From the beginning, manufacturers have been demanding a subsidy from the Union Government for the shops. But, now the SIDCO straight away fixed the auction price without subsidy. Micro, small, and medium silver anklet manufacturers are not in a position to participate in the auction. Till now, only around 10 to 15 people have submitted application. The SIDCO did not consult with the silver anklet associations and also did not get their suggestions before fixing the price.

“Now, only the Chief Minister can issue new government orders by revising the price for the shop or providing 50% subsidy for the shop, which will benefit the manufacturers,” Mr. Anandharajan added.