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Dr. M. Karunanidhi

Last Updated: 30/6/2026Category: Tamil Nadu
Dr. M. Karunanidhi
  • Tenure/Life Period: June 3, 1924 – August 7, 2018
  • Association and Role within Society or Entity: Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu; Chief Architect of the Tamil Nadu Co-operative Handloom Weaver Networks.
  • Contributions to the Cooperative Sector: Operating state-wide from Chennai, Karunanidhi launched policy transformations that saved the traditional handloom sector from collapsing due to unmitigated industrial powerloom competition. During his multiple tenures as Chief Minister, he funneled massive state subsidies directly into the Tamil Nadu Handloom Weavers' Co-operative Society (famously known as Co-optex). He introduced pioneering schemes like the Free Saree and Dhoti distribution program during festivals, mandating that the state procure these textiles exclusively from registered weaver cooperatives. This move provided guaranteed year-round employment, high wages, and modernized housing colonies to hundreds of thousands of traditional weavers across hubs like Kanchipuram, Salem, and Madurai.
  • Awards and Recognitions: Commemorated universally across Tamil Nadu, with dozens of modern cooperative complexes, housing boards, and handloom design centers officially named in his honor.