TIRUPPUR: Once famed as Tamil Nadu’s ‘Metal Town,’ Anuparpalayam in Tiruppur is witnessing a slow decline in its traditional metal vessel industry. Known for its skilled craftsmanship in silver, brass, and copper utensils, the area is losing its skilled labour force to the booming knitwear industry, which offers better pay and more secure employment.

Workers told TNIE that the arduous nature of the work is matched by dismally low wages—Rs 7 per kg for silver vessels and Rs 40 for brass. “The youth prefer knitwear jobs, which are less strenuous and offer ESI and PF benefits,” said S P Venugopal, a long-time artisan.

Despite the presence of a welfare board, around 80% of the workers don’t possess membership cards and are deprived of social security benefits. “We need better wages, safety nets, and opportunities to become entrepreneurs,” said worker P Prasath.

Unit owners and supervisors echo similar concerns. Rising raw material costs and high power tariffs are threatening the viability of the trade. “We need government schemes, incentives, and electricity concessions to revive the industry,” urged unit owner S Yakob.

AITUC’s Selvaraj stressed the need for a dedicated welfare board, subsidised housing, and easier access to bank loans. “Only when these conditions are met will the next generation return,” he said.

Officials said steps are underway. The Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam scheme offers loans up to ₹3 lakh for experienced workers above 35, and special camps will be held to issue welfare membership cards.

#SaveMetalTown #SupportArtisans #RuralLivelihoods #CraftsmanshipCrisis