Amaravati: Marking National Handloom Day, the Andhra Pradesh government has delivered welcome news to handloom weavers with a series of welfare measures aimed at supporting the sector. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan announced that the government will provide free electricity up to 200 units for handlooms and up to 500 units for power looms across the state.
Speaking on Thursday, Pawan Kalyan lauded handloom weaving as a symbol of India’s rich culture and the spirit of independence. He stated that the decisions were taken under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu during a recent cabinet meeting, with a clear intent to strengthen the handloom sector.
In addition to free electricity, the government has also decided to offer a 5% GST subsidy on handloom products purchased by APCO (Andhra Pradesh State Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society) from handloom societies. To provide financial security to weavers, a thrift fund will also be established.
Pawan Kalyan assured that the coalition government will extend full support to the handloom industry in every possible way. He announced plans to launch state-wide awareness campaigns to encourage the use of handloom fabrics. He also urged the youth of Andhra Pradesh to wear handloom clothes at least once a week, highlighting that such efforts can boost employment opportunities for those who depend on the sector.
Supporting the handloom industry, a vital part of the unorganised sector, is a moral and economic responsibility of the government, he added.