Handloom Cooperatives Elections by Dasara, Major Boost for Weavers: Minister Savitha

Vijayawada, May 14, 2025:The Andhra Pradesh government is set to conduct elections for handloom cooperative societies by the upcoming Dasara festival, announced State Minister for BC, EWS Welfare, Handlooms and Textiles, S. Savitha. Speaking at a convention in Vijayawada attended by weavers from across the state, the Minister laid out a comprehensive roadmap for the upliftment of the handloom sector.

Key Announcements Made by the Minister Include:

Implementation of health insurance for weavers in the near future.

Disbursement of Rs. 5 crore under the thrift fund scheme.

Procurement of handloom products through APCO every three months instead of six.

Enhanced focus on weavers in MSME parks with infrastructural support.

Statewide campaign to promote wearing handloom clothes at least once a week.

Free electricity up to 200 units for ordinary looms and up to 500 units for automatic looms.

Training programs in new designs and modern tools with 90% subsidy.

Exhibition-based marketing and establishment of mini and mega clusters.

Monthly pension of Rs. 4,000 under NTR Bharosa to 92,724 weavers aged 50 and above.

Proposals to relocate the NHDC regional office from Hyderabad to Vijayawada.

Minister Savitha emphasized that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Minister Nara Lokesh have been striving for the development of the handloom sector from day one of their administration. She stated that, under the leadership of CM Naidu, the government is committed to ushering in a "golden era" for weavers.

Strengthening of Cooperatives and New Initiatives

To revitalize the handloom cooperatives, the minister announced the government’s plan to not only conduct elections but also revive dormant societies and form new ones. The proactive steps are part of a larger effort to strengthen the cooperative framework and ensure better representation and operational efficiency.

Financial Security and Market Expansion

APCO will now procure handloom goods from weavers every quarter, ensuring more regular income flow. Outstanding dues are being cleared in phases. Additionally, Rs. 5 crore under the thrift fund will be released soon. The government is also exploring opportunities to expand sales through exhibitions and e-commerce platforms, making locally produced handlooms accessible to a wider audience.

MSME Parks and Employment Generation

Minister Savitha noted that MSME parks are being established across the state, with significant priority being given to setting up weaver units. Support is being provided for work sheds, and an additional Rs. 50,000 grant is being offered for housing construction for weavers.

Weekly Handloom Day Campaign

To increase awareness and demand for handloom textiles, the government is planning a campaign urging all state and central government employees to wear handloom attire once a week. Budget allocations for the sector will be increased at both the state and national levels. The Minister added that the double-engine government—both at the Centre and in the State—is providing unprecedented support to the handloom industry.

The government also plans to replicate the success of the Mangalagiri Weavers' Mart across all districts, ensuring consistent work for handloom workers.

Weavers’ Welfare Takes Center Stage

MLA Adinarayana Reddy emphasized that the welfare of the 2.5 lakh handloom families in the state is being approached with sincerity and commitment. He highlighted the need for increased budgetary allocations, better marketing through mobile vans, and involvement of local artisans in developing new designs.

Special Chief Secretary of the Handlooms and Textiles Department, Sisodia, pointed out the crucial role of handloom cooperatives in the state's economic development. With support from rural poverty eradication organizations, efforts are underway to provide consistent employment and improve market access.

The program concluded with Minister Savitha, MLA Adinarayana Reddy, and senior officials visiting the handloom textile exhibition organized by the department. They reviewed the quality and pricing of the products on display.

Other Officials Present: Rekha Rani (Commissioner, Handlooms & Textiles), Karuna (CEO, SERP), M. Vishwa (VC & MD, APCO), Abaddayya (Chairman, Padmashali Corporation), Veeranki Venkata Gurumurthy (Chairman, Gouda Corporation), and others.