CM Revanth Offers Backstop for Telangana's Handloom Industry

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced that the government would distribute two saris annually to each of the 63 lakh women who are members of women’s self-help groups (SHGs). To fulfil this commitment, the government will place orders for 1.3 crore saris per year with local weavers, ensuring a steady demand and promoting the state’s handloom sector.

Furthering the support for weavers, the Chief Minister announced that the government will waive Rs.30 crore in handloom loans taken by the weaving community. He said the Congress government will treat farmers and weavers equally, pledging his continued support to the weaving community.

He was speaking at the inaugural of the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT) here on Monday, marking a significant milestone for Telangana's handloom sector. The institute aims to bolster the state's weaving community by providing specialised education and training in handloom technology.

The Chief Minister said that, until now, the students from Telangana had to travel to Odisha or Andhra Pradesh to pursue studies at an IIHT. He said the previous BRS government had failing to establish a handloom technology institute in Telangana over the last decade.

“The state government took immediate action by appealing to the Union government for the establishment of IIHT in Telangana. I personally appealed to the Prime Minister and the Union minister, and I am pleased to share that the Centre responded positively, approving the institute's establishment," said Revanth Reddy.

Revanth Reddy announced that the newly-established IIHT would be named after Telangana movement leader Konda Laxman Bapuji, who is revered for his sacrifices for the state's cause. He directed officials to issue government orders to formalise this decision.

The government has already opened a Skill University to provide students with essential skill training. The Chief Minister announced plans to set up the IIHT campus within the Skill University next year. Additionally, the government has released Rs.290 crore in overdue payments, offering much-needed relief to the distressed weaving community.

Taking a jab at the previous BRS government, Revanth Reddy criticised their promotional efforts, which included high-profile campaigns with movie stars, and noted that the weavers' poor living conditions remained unchanged. He said that the previous government had delayed the release of funds for Bathukamma saris, which had exacerbated the hardships faced by the weavers. In contrast, the Congress government, he said, released funds promptly, providing crucial support to struggling workers in Sircilla.

The government’s initiative to distribute saris will not only benefit the SHG women members but also the weaving community, with orders for 1.3 crore sarees being placed annually. Instructions have been given to officials to ensure the sarees' design and quality meet high standards.