The Indian textile industry is diverse in its structure and skills. It occupies an important position in the Indian economy. It contributes considerably towards employment generation, industrial output and export earnings of the country. It provides employment to an estimated 45 million people directly and to another 60 million people indirectly through allied activities. It contributes 14% towards industrial production, 4% to GDP and 11% to the export earnings. In India, Maharashtra ranks second in terms of cotton production. Maharashtra has an average 30% of the country’s total land under cultivation of cotton crop. Vidarbha, Marathwada and North-Maharashtra (Khandesh) are the main cotton producing areas in the state. Considering all the above facts it was necessary to study the cotton textile industry of Maharashtra. The cotton textile industry in Maharashtra majorly consists of Power looms. Approximately 60% of cloth in the country comes from power looms. The major power looms in Maharashtra are found in Bhiwandi, Ichalkaranji, Malegaon, and Solapur. Since last few decades, this industry is facing many problems leading to overall sickness in the industry. This study has covered the majority of the power loom units in the decentralized and unorganized segm. A sample of 410 power loom units is selected for study. The problems faced by these power loom units have been studied with the help of a structured questionnaire. The responses collected from these units were analyzed by using descriptive Statistics, Inferential analysis, ANOVA, F-test, post hoc (Games Howell), Friedman’s ANOVA, and Structure Equation Modelent of the textile industry.

The Paithani saree, an identity of Maharashtra’s textile heritage, holds Geographical Indication (GI) status since 2010, for its exquisite handwoven craftsmanship and distinct aesthetic rooted in centuries-old traditions. Despite its Geographical Indication (GI) status, the authenticity of Paithani sarees is threatened by the proliferation of power-loom imitations that flood contemporary markets, which undermine the craft’s authenticity as well as economic and cultural value. This article examines the heritage of authentic Paithani weaving, the challenges posed by market fakes, and the failure of GI protection and identifies key threats to Paithani’s sustainability and need of preservation of the Indian ancient knowledge. The Paithani handloom represents a living repository of India’s Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), where artistic expression and scientific precision intertwine through the ancient interlocking tapestry technique. Each handcrafted Paithani embodies generations of indigenous technological wisdom, ecological balance, and cultural symbolism. However, the growing influx of power loom imitations threatens to dilute this heritage, eroding the cognitive and aesthetic depth that defines authentic Paithani weaving. Preserving Paithani is thus vital to sustaining not only a textile craft but a profound indigenous knowledge tradition. This paper critically examines the causes behind this failure, including limited legal literacy among artisans, lack of regulatory enforcement, institutional gaps, and most notably, consumer unawareness of what constitutes an authentic Paithani. Field research, interviews with weavers, cooperatives and cluster heads, and market stakeholders reveal how fakes reduce the perceived value of genuine handloom saris, and distort consumer trust. The study underscores the urgent need for policy reform, educational outreach, digital certification systems, and market regulation to protect the integrity of the GI tag. Ultimately, preserving Paithani weaving requires not just protecting a product but defending a living heritage and ensuring its sustainable transmission to future generations. The research article follows the primary, qualitative, descriptive data collection method from weavers and buyers of Paithani to recommend the possible suggestions.

Objective: Study is conducted at Textile Engineering College in textile engineering department laboratory, Ichalkaranji Maharashtra, India, to assess the noise exposure levels among the students and laboratory technicians. The objective of the study is to evaluate noise levels produced by power loom machine, whether these noise levels obey with standard occupational noise level limits. The noise monitoring in laboratory enhances the safety awareness among students, lab technicians and faculty. Background: Power looms are used in clothing production. Due to their working processes and various mechanisms, they generate vibration and noise. One of the critical threats associated with textile industries is the emission of noise from power loom operations. Noise is a crucial parameter in the textile industry and colleges, Methods: The measurement of noise levels was conducted at vicinity locations of the power loom. The assessment of noise levels is utilized a ¼″ Electret-measurement microphone and FFT analyzer. Results: Noise levels were measured at the vicinity of the power loom, and calculations were performed to determine the personal daily dose exposure, permissible noise exposure time and the percentage of dose. Additionally, the location with the highest contribution of noise was identified. Conclusion: A daily personal noise dose of 90.5 dB was recorded, and the permissible noise exposure time is 5.3 hours for 92.85 dB, 4.6 hours for 93.88 dB and ∞ for 82.41. The percentage of dose is 79.16%. The areas with the maximum contribution of noise were identified as the front and left locations of the power loom but not harmful for students and technicians during laboratory hours.

The power loom industry is an important segment of the cotton textile industry in India. Present study on job involvement, productivity of power loom weavers. Job involvement is the internationalization of values of work in the life of individual workers. Productivity gains are vital to the economy because they allow us to accomplish more with less. The study is based on primary data collected from 50 weavers from Thiruparkadal area of Ranipet District.

Loom weavers play a vital role in the economic development of Bangladesh. Due to their working load, they suffer from musculoskeletal pain. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and its determinants among handloom and powerloom weavers in the North Bengal area of Bangladesh. This study followed the cross-sectional method by using an open-ended and close-ended questionnaire. For sample size determination, the convenience sampling technique was adopted. A total of 500 participants were included in this study. Frequency analysis and the chi-square test were performed during data analysis using Rprogramming software. A total of 69.2% of respondents had musculoskeletal pain. Most of the respondents suffered from knee pain (46.8%). 42.6% of respondents suffered from lower back pain. 37.8% of respondents suffered from shoulder pain can be clubbed under pain at other sites. Most of them took treatment with medication. Age (<0.001) and number of working days(<0.001) were found to be significantly associated with the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain. Given the prevalence of musculoskeletal issues among weavers, it is imperative to ensure that they receive appropriate knowledge and interventions to enhance their quality of life. Theimplementation of awareness programs on musculoskeletal pain should be undertaken by the government of Bangladesh as well as by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other relevant institutions.

Background Exposure to excessive noise in the workplace is a potential risk, and higher noise levels with longer exposure can lead to increased noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Furthermore, noise exposure is the second most common risk factor in the workplace, after workplace injuries in an occupational exposure setting. Objectives The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of NIHL among the workers in the power loom industry. Material and Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out at a home-based small-scale weaving factory (power looms) located in Bangalore city to find out the occupational noise exposure and NIHL during the year 2019–2020. Noise exposure monitoring was carried out in 12 power loom workplace areas using a portable integrated sound level meter along with frequency spectra bands. A total of 172 (122 male and 50 women) workers took part in the study. An audiometric test was carried out among the workers along with personal details and lifestyle factors with a predesigned questionnaire. Results Noise monitoring was conducted at power looms to evaluate the exposure assessment. It was found that the study population was highly exposed to noise with a full shift noise exposure of 95.7dB(A). The mean ranges of Leq and TWA in this study were 92.3–100.2 dB(A) and 84.4–95.9 dB(A), respectively. The octave band analysis of noise of high sound levels with the frequencies of 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, and 4000 Hz was carried out, and the highest sound intensity was recorded in 2000 Hz frequency followed by 4000 Hz above 90dB(A) in both frequencies. The audiometry test was conducted on 69 workers (60 men and 9 women) who voluntarily participated in the pure-tone audiometry. Out of 69 workers, 60 (87%) of the study group suffered from noise-induced hearing loss. Conclusion The study was conducted in an unorganized sector where high noise in the power looms may be the use of machines without any shielding with soundproof materials/barriers from the workplace. The inadequate acoustic design and poor machinery maintenance may also be a reason. This study elucidates the trends in the burden and risk of hearing loss among workers in hazardous noise environments.

Background:Industrial noise exposure can jeopardise safety by disrupting communication and alarms, leading to occupational errors.Objectives:This study examines the impact of chronic noise exposure on the hearing and cognitive abilities of power loom workers.Materials and Methods:An electroencephalogram (EEG) signal analysis and auditory assessment were performed on 40 power loom workers and 15 control participants. The cognitive performance of power loom personnel was examined in environments with and without noise. Power spectra values from theta, alpha and beta activity were analysed from EEG signals to assess cognitive load, stress and attention levels.Results:Pure tone audiometry results showed that 68%, 21% and 11% of power loom workers had a serious, moderate and mild hearing impairment, respectively. Additionally, the performance of power loom workers in the Stroop colour and word test cognitive task was evaluated, reflecting a substantial 28% drop in response accuracy between the power loom workers and the control group with a significant P-value (H = 233.91, P < 0.01). In noise-free conditions, a higher alpha (M = 12.45, SD = 2.34) was observed together with a decreased beta (M = 8.67, SD = 1.89) and theta-to-alpha ratio (M = 0.45, SD = 0.12), indicating enhanced attention and reduced mental burden and stress. On the contrary, when faced with noise, workers exhibited decreased alpha power, increased beta power and higher theta-to-alpha ratio, indicating distraction, higher stress and cognitive strain.Conclusion:Continuous exposure to high noise levels affects the hearing ability and cognitive performance of power loom workers.

India is the country that produces and exports the most coir and coir-based products. China is the primary market and the source of more than 40% of global exports of coir and its byproducts, which are currently purchased by more than 100 nations. The conversion of coconut husk waste material into useful resources is one of the few traditional or rural businesses. This sector produces more than 80% of the fiber produced globally, making it the world's largest producer of coir. The industry's market has grown since the start of globalization, although exports were originally limited to a few countries until 1980. During the year 2020-21, Exports of coir pith, coir fibre, tufted mats, handloom mats, and power loom mats, coir yarn, handloom matting, power loom matting, coir geo-textiles, rubberized coir, and other types of coir have seen increases in both quantity and value, whereas coir rugs and carpets and curled coir have seen decreases in both. The amount of coir rope was down while the value was up for the item. 51% of all coir goods exported from the nation were coir pith, with export revenues of Rs. 1919.74 crores. Together, the value-added products made about 31% of all exports. The most valuable products were Tufted Mats. More than half of the coir exported from India leaves the country through the Tuticorin port. In terms of export revenue, Chennai Port comes in third with a share of 13, followed by Cochin Port with a share of 36%. The research specifically aims to: i) assess the increase and volatility in coir and key coir product production, consumption, and exports. ii) to evaluate production outcomes under various regimes of coir processing technology and the scope of available industry options.

A Study of power loom sector in India

Noise-induced hearing loss remains a prevalent occupational concern across various industries. This study aimed to address several key objectives regarding noise exposure and hearing impairment among power loom workers in Tamil Nadu, India. The major objectives were to assess the levels of noise exposure in the power loom industry and to determine the prevalence of hearing loss among the workers. The minor objectives included identifying the specific factors associated with hearing loss and proposing measures to mitigate noise exposure. A cross-sectional study was carried out at a Power Loom Industry in the Erode District of Tamil Nadu between September and November 2023. A total of 123 workers from weaving sections were randomly selected to participate in face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Noise exposure levels were measured using a noise meter, while hearing loss was assessed using a pure tone audiometer. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with hearing loss. Among the workers, 88.5% were exposed to noise levels of ≥ 95dB (A), and the prevalence of hearing loss was 71.6%. Factors positively associated with hearing loss included age between 31-50years and over 50years, lack of literacy, experiencing hearing difficulties or earaches, hypertension, and more than 15years of service in the power loom industry. To mitigate noise exposure levels, there is a need for enhanced occupational hazard education and stricter enforcement of safety regulations. Regular audiometry tests should be implemented to monitor hearing threshold shifts. Employers should establish and enforce hearing conservation programs in workplaces where noise exposure exceeds or reaches 95dB (A).

The power loom sector is a significant contributor to fabric manufacturing in the country, encompassing a diverse range of products. These products span from low-value coarse and gauze cloth to high-value shirting, suiting, and made-ups. Additionally, the sector also produces a limited number of grey fabrics or yarn-dyed products. Female weavers operating within the power loom sector faces a multitude of obstacles that are significantly influencing their economic survival and overall welfare. The textile industry holds significant importance in the economic development of India, whereas the power loom industry being a crucial element within this sector. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the female labour force participation and total working hours, as well as the effect on their health, in the power loom sector of Gaya and Bhagalpur. In addition, the paper will discuss other significant obstacles faced by women weavers, such as wage disparities, lengthy working hours, and safety and security concerns. The focus of the research will be the socioeconomic standing of female power loom weavers. The study is supported by both primary and secondary data. Primary data is derived from data collection on the ground. Weavers are the backbone of the power loom sector, but they are perpetually plagued by issues related to finances, electricity, and health care, among other issues, and they receive no support from the government. As a result, the industry as a whole experiences low productivity and to enhance the conditions of the power loom weavers, there is a dire need for government support.

Background: Sericulture is a labor-oriented agro-based industry that significantly elevates India's rural economy. During weaving operations, workers adopt awkward postures and work long hours, which is one of the most important factors in their poor working efficiency and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. Objectives: This study aimed to find the correlation between grip strength, the Michigan hand outcome questionnaire (MHQ), and work-related postural disorders among power loom silk weavers. Design: Correlation study. Methods: This study was conducted in a community setting. 120 power loom silk weavers were screened for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. A face-to-face interview was conducted to assess Grip strength, hand function, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders using the Hand dynamometer, MHQ, and RULA scales, respectively. Results: By Spearman's correlation, the correlation between Bilateral Hand grip strength and MHQ was statistically significant p&lt;0.001 and shows a strong positive correlation (r = 0.787) for right hand and (r = 0.741), a strong negative correlation (r = -0.594) for right hand and ( r = -0.538) for left hand was found between bilateral hand grip strength and RULA and the correlation between MHQ and RULA scores were statistically significant (p&lt;0.001) shows a strong negative correlation (r = -0.583).The intercept is 8.298. An increase in MHQ (-0.022) and right-hand grip strength (- 0.030) will decrease RULA scores. Conclusion: The study concluded that subjects with reduced hand grip strength and hand function were at higher risks of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders, and hand grip strength and MHQ are equally good predictors of these disorders.

Tenun Ikat Troso, an indigenous weaving craft originating from Jepara, specifically Troso village, involves the intricate process of weaving fabric from warp and weft threads that are initially tied and dyed using natural pigments. The weaving apparatus employed for this task is the automated power loom (ATBM) (Ismanto, Tamrin, &amp; Pebruary, 2018). The enterprising Mrs. Rahayu, who owns UMKM Yabunaya Muslim Store, embarked on her business journey in 2017. She ventured into both selling and personally manufacturing modest dresses, utilizing an assortment of Indonesian textiles, including batik prints, stamped batik (batik cap), hand-drawn batik (batik tulis), a fusion of stamped and hand-drawn batik, and handwoven fabrics created using traditional weaving tools. Mrs. Rahayu, equipped with skills acquired through private fashion courses under the guidance of industry experts at the Susan Budiharjo School (Cikini), financed her endeavors independently without any business partners. Notably, her designs remain authentically original, with no replication of other designer products. UMKM Yabunaya Muslim Store has diversified its fabric sourcing, encompassing batik fabrics from Solo, Riau, Madura, Pekalongan, Kebumen, woven fabrics from Troso, Jepara, and sasirangan fabrics from Kalimantan. The store has successfully produced approximately 60 sets of batik, Troso woven fabrics, and sasirangan dresses. Mrs. Rahayu has actively participated in exhibitions and bazaars, maintaining a strong online presence through Google My Business, while also effectively marketing her products on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and various other social media channels.

The power loom sector has a significant positive impact on India's economy. The workers who have been having problems for the past few years are mostly responsible for the power loom industry's success, but it also provides work for many of the people engaged in India's textile industry. As a result, their social and economic situation is getting worse. Examining the workers' current socioeconomic situation and outlining the reasons behind the textile industry in Malegaon are the main objectives of this article. Field surveys served as the investigation's methodology. There are 250 workers in total. The social and economic conditions of the labour are horrifying, according to studies. The power loom sector is extremely important to the Indian economy. Additionally, it supports the textile sector by adding jobs. Economic necessity is the main factor influencing the social and economic situation. To enhance the working conditions, it is urgently necessary to expand both government involvement and power union authorization.

The power loom sector has a significant positive impact on India's economy. The workers who have been having problems for the past few years are mostly responsible for the power loom industry's success, but it also provides work for many of the people engaged in India's textile industry. As a result, their social and economic situation is getting worse. Examining the workers' current socioeconomic situation and outlining the reasons behind the textile industry in Malegaon are the main objectives of this article. Field surveys served as the investigation's methodology. There are 250 workers in total. The social and economic conditions of the labour are horrifying, according to studies. The power loom sector is extremely important to the Indian economy. Additionally, it supports the textile sector by adding jobs. Economic necessity is the main factor influencing the social and economic situation. To enhance the working conditions, it is urgently necessary to expand both government involvement and power union authorization.

Employees in India frequently complain about musculoskeletal issues. Currently, manual labor is a common component of power loom industries, making the problems of job-related musculoskeletal ailments and injuries at various body sites of important importance. To measure job processes, workload assessment, and work stress in the current study, video was taken. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method was utilized to quantify the risk variables connected to upper extremity problems. While the physical issues were measured with the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). This ergonomic study sheds light on the analysis of worker posture in the power loom sector. The study's participants were the 15 power-loom industry employees at MIDC Solapur (Maharashtra, India).Then, using a video clip that showed the workers' various tasks, images were taken for analysis. It was concluded as a result that the power loom industry is not ergonomicsaware or aware. According to RULA and REBA's examination of the problem utilising postural analysis, the staff is working more than is safe. The vast majority of workers are stooped over. Since there is a moderate to high risk of musculoskeletal issues among the workforce, many interventions are employed to avoid WMSDs or their symptoms, such as training, ergonomic adjustments, rest relief, and exercises.

Loom weavers play a vital role in the economic development of Bangladesh. Due to their working load, they suffer from musculoskeletal pain. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and its determinants among handloom and powerloom weavers in the North Bengal area of Bangladesh. This study followed the cross-sectional method by using an open-ended and close-ended questionnaire. For sample size determination, the convenience sampling technique was adopted. A total of 500 participants were included in this study. Frequency analysis and the chi-square test were performed during data analysis using Rprogramming software. A total of 69.2% of respondents had musculoskeletal pain. Most of the respondents suffered from knee pain (46.8%). 42.6% of respondents suffered from lower back pain. 37.8% of respondents suffered from shoulder pain can be clubbed under pain at other sites. Most of them took treatment with medication. Age (&lt;0.001) and number of working days(&lt;0.001) were found to be significantly associated with the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain. Given the prevalence of musculoskeletal issues among weavers, it is imperative to ensure that they receive appropriate knowledge and interventions to enhance their quality of life. Theimplementation of awareness programs on musculoskeletal pain should be undertaken by the government of Bangladesh as well as by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other relevant institutions.

This research endeavors to unravel the intricate relationships among educational, health, and economic incentives within the Power Loom Industry and their consequential impacts on job satisfaction. Utilizing a quantitative approach, the study employs regression analysis to interpret key coefficients and statistical parameters. The results indicate that economic incentives, educational incentives, and health-related incentives significantly influence job satisfaction. Notably, educational incentives emerges as the most impactful factor followed by health-related incentives, and economy incentives. These findings underscore the importance of fostering fairness in organizational practices and providing diverse incentives to enhance overall job satisfaction. The study contributes to the literature by providing nuanced insights into the interplay between incentives and job satisfaction within the context of the Power Loom Industry. As industries seek to optimize workforce well-being, this research serves as a valuable guide for decision-makers aiming to implement targeted policies and practices that cater to the multifaceted needs of employees.

The industry is crucial to a country's economic prosperity. India has a diverse economy that isgrowing and thriving in many industries. Similarly, the power loom sector contributes signifi-cantly to the economic growth of the rural and urban people in Bhagalpur city. Weavers are akey component of this sector, but they frequently struggle with issues related to their finances,health, and other areas, and they receive little government assistance. As a result, they haveextremely low productivity and appalling economic conditions. The Present study is focusedon the problems of power loom industries of Champanagar, which explains the economic con-dition of weavers, their income and living standards. the main aim of the study is to analyze thedifficulties regarding the powerloom industry which are faced by the weavers. the study is basedon primary data acquired by simple random sampling from weavers. The findings revealed thatweavers face several obstacles, including a financial crisis, a shortage of updated machines, thecompulsion to work for low rates, and so on.

Investigation of indoor air quality and pulmonary function status among power loom industry workers in Tamil Nadu, South India