Fulfilling a campaign pledge, the TDP-led coalition government in Andhra Pradesh has introduced a free electricity program for weavers. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stated that the scheme aims to ease the financial burden on handloom weavers by reducing their electricity costs. The initiative will offer 200 units per month at no charge for handlooms and 500 units per month for power looms.
The scheme is anticipated to benefit 93,000 handloom families and 11,488 power loom families. Handloom families are expected to save about Rs 8,640 annually, while power loom units could save up to Rs 21,600 per year. The government plans to allocate around Rs 150 crore each year for this initiative. Addressing a public gathering in Nellore district, the Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to the weavers’ welfare and the growth of the textile industry.
Naidu highlighted the establishment of a Thrift Fund worth Rs. 5 crores for handloom weavers and the provision of pensions for them upon reaching 55 years of age. Additionally, he announced the launch of five handloom clusters under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission scheme. The government distributed certificates for free electricity supply to the beneficiaries, aiming to support the weaving community, which heavily relies on electricity for its operations.
The government has taken various measures to revive the struggling handloom sector, including offering a 90% subsidy on modern machinery and a 15% subsidy on raw materials. Moreover, it has earmarked Rs 10.44 crore for the development of small clusters. Minister for Energy Gottipati Ravi Kumar recalled that the commitment to free electricity was made by TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh to handloom weavers during the ‘Yuva Galam’ yatra. He emphasized the government’s efforts to fulfill its promises and revitalize the electricity sector, which had faced challenges in the past administration.
