Vijayawada: In a move to promote handloom and handicraft of local weavers and artisans, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan decided to present locally made handloom and handicraft items to guests during official meetings and visits.
Pen Kalamkari clothes, Narasapuram lace, Kondapalli and Etikoppaka wooden toys, Dasavatara toys from Kondapalli, Dharmavaram Tholu Bommalu (leather puppets), a prototype of the Bobbili Veena, Araku coffee, Mangalagiri shawls, drawings made by Savara tribals, Ratnam pens and Durgi stone idols will be presented to guests.
“The selected items will be packed in a gift hamper bearing the AP government emblem, along with details pertaining to the products inside the hamper,” the DyCM said.
Pawan Kalyan directed officials to use only 40 per cent of the budget allocated by the government to the departments, while he would personally bear 60 per cent of the cost for preparing the gift hampers.
Meanwhile, Pawan Kalyan and his daughter Aadhya, who viewed various handloom and handicraft products displayed by the Lepakshi organization, purchased a Kalamkari bag and wooden toys. He paid the bill and presented the gifts to his daughter.
