Representatives from South India’s leather industry met Tamil Nadu MSME Minister P. Madhan Raja and Additional Chief Secretary (Industries, Investment Promotion & Commerce) S. Vijayakumar, IAS, on June 5, 2026 to discuss key initiatives aimed at strengthening the state’s leather sector.

The delegation was led by Council for Leather Exports (CLE) Regional Chairman Abdul Wahab, along with former Chairman Aqeel Panaruna and other industry representatives.

During the meeting, the representatives of the leather industry submitted a request for ₹13.35 crore (~$1.3 million) in State Government support to modernize and upgrade four Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) under the Indian Footwear, Leather & Accessories Development Programme (IFLDP) 2021-2026.

The delegation noted that the Central Government, through DPIIT, has already sanctioned ₹62.28 crore (~$6.5 million), covering 70% of the total project cost. The requested support would help complete the modernization and upgradation work.

The industry also sought capital subsidy support for technology upgradation, machinery modernization and capacity expansion across tanneries, leather footwear, non-leather footwear and leather goods manufacturing units.

Under the proposal, MSMEs would receive a 30% subsidy while large industries would receive a 20% subsidy for modernization and expansion activities.

Another key request focused on the growing women workforce in the leather industry. The delegation urged the Government to establish hostel facilities for women workforce in Ambur and Ranipet region and stated that the industry is willing to facilitate land availability for the project.

According to industry representatives, the discussions were constructive and they expressed hope that the Government would extend support to further strengthen Tamil Nadu’s position as India’s leading leather manufacturing and export hub.