The Andhra Pradesh coalition government led by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has released over Rs. 2 crore (US $ 226,000) through APCO (Andhra Pradesh State Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society) towards payments for several weavers’ societies across the state.
Handlooms and Textiles Minister S. Savitha said that the amount of Rs. 2,00,32,615.41 (US $ 226,953) formed the first instalment, with the remaining dues to be cleared shortly. Providing details, she explained that four societies in the Srikakulam division had received Rs. 7.57 lakh (US $ 8,576), seven in Vizianagaram division Rs. 3.44 lakh (US $ 3,897), 27 in Rajahmundry division Rs. 61.07 lakh (US $ 69,187), 21 in Vijayawada division Rs. 48.29 lakh (US $ 54,708), 17 in Tirupati division Rs. 36.64 lakh (US $ 41,510), five in Kadapa division Rs. 40.30 lakh (US $ 45,656), and seven in Kurnool division Rs. 2.98 lakh (US $ 3,376).
Savitha highlighted that the Government was also providing 200 units of free electricity to nearly 93,000 weaver families, and 500 units to more than 11,000 looms. Monthly pensions of Rs. 4,000 (US $ 45) were being extended to 92,724 weavers aged above 50, while yarn purchases attracted a 15% subsidy. APCO weavers were exempt from the 5% GST, she added.
She further noted that training programmes were under way to help weavers produce modern readymade garments, with marketing support provided through APCO outlets and e-commerce platforms. The minister affirmed that the government’s objective was to provide “economic security and a dignified livelihood” to weavers, stressing that timely payments and settlement of outstanding dues were being ensured.
