Naidu Announces Rs 5 crore Thrift Fund For Handloom Workers
AP to implement scheme for free electricity to handlooms and power looms from August 7
VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced the establishment of a `5 crore Thrift Fund for handloom workers. He also announced implementation of a scheme that promises 200 units of free electricity for handlooms and 500 units for power looms from August 7, the National Handloom Day.
Naidu said on Tuesday that in a bid to support the handloom sector and assist weavers, the state government has taken several key decisions.
The Chief Minister held a review meeting on the textiles department at the secretariat. The discussion focused on how handloom weavers can be supported in the best possible ways. He said, “Handlooms are the most important sector after agriculture. The need is to stand by those who depend on it for their livelihood.”
Naidu cited issues brought to his attention during a recent visit to Jammalamadugu, where he interacted with members of weaver families.
He said, “200 units of free electricity will be provided for handlooms and 500 units for power looms. Officials must immediately begin the necessary process to implement this initiative.”
Another major decision taken during the review was on GST for handloom fabrics. Naidu said the state government has agreed to fully bear the GST on handloom fabrics. The government would pay the GST levied on handloom products directly to the Centre. “This decision fulfills a promise we made during the elections.”
Officials said this move would make products more affordable, boost sales, and ultimately benefit the weavers.
The Chief Minister proposed the establishment of a `5 crore Thrift Fund for handloom workers. All these steps would be implemented from August 7, the National Handloom Day, he said.
Senior officials of the textiles department participated in the review.
Andhra Pradesh has received 10 national awards for handloom products, out of which one award was for the One District, One Product category. These awards were handed over to the CM before the meeting commenced.