Hans News Service Guntur

Ministerfor Handlooms and Textiles S Savitha stated that ensuring a dignified livelihood for handloom workers is the primary objective of the coalition government. She said that a free electricity scheme for weavers has been implemented from April 1. Representatives of the Andhra Pradesh Padmasali Association met Savitha at her camp office in Tadepalli on Wednesday. They invited her to attend the Padmasali Mahasabha scheduled to be held on April 26.

Speaking on the occasion, she said that significant benefits are being extended to weavers under the present government. She highlighted that a pension of Rs 4,000 is being provided to handloom workers aged 50 years and above. An annual allocation of Rs 5 crore is being made towards the thrift fund, and a 15% subsidy is being provided on yarn.

She further stated that a new textiles policy has been introduced, under which mega and mini clusters are being established across the state. Steps have also been taken to increase the sale of handloom products through APCO. Under the Mudra scheme, financial assistance of Rs 24.43 crore has been provided to 2,640 weavers. The government is also organising handloom exhibitions across the state to boost sales. Since April 2024, credit facilities worth Rs 78.73 crore have been extended to 109 primary handloom cooperative societies.

She emphasised that the government is committed to safeguarding the health of weavers, and measures are being taken under a Universal Health Policy to ensure their well-being. She reiterated that the coalition government is dedicated to enabling weavers to lead a dignified life. Savitha unveiled the poster for the Padmasali Mahasabha. AP Padmasali Association president Jaggarapu Srinivasa Rao and other representatives including Munagapati Venkateswara Rao, Anjibabu, Vijayanagendra, and Bandaru Benerjee were present.