CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Khadi and Village Industries department has recorded a profit of Rs 120 crore this year, State Minister for Forests and Khadi RS Rajakannappan told the Assembly on Friday, asserting that the once-ailing sector had been decisively turned around under the present government.

Replying to a question raised by AIADMK legislator R Kamaraj during Question Hour, the Minister said the department was now functioning profitably and had improved its performance by nearly Rs 60 crore compared to the previous regime.

"The Khadi department is running with a profit of Rs 120 crore this year. A sector that was in deep distress has been revived and placed on a stable footing," Rajakannappan said.

Outlining welfare measures for traditional artisans, he said potters must register with the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) to avail government benefits. Identity cards have been issued to potters, and only cardholders would be eligible for monsoon relief assistance of Rs 5,000. "Those without identity cards can obtain them and claim the relief," he added.

The Minister further said the government would issue year-round permissions for potters to extract silt soil as required for their work. "If artisans submit applications, they will be duly considered and approved," he said.