Vijayawada:Handlooms and textiles minister S. Savitha announced establishment of textile parks at Emmiganur, Rayadurgam, Mylavaram and Pamidi, along with a handloom park in Chirala.
Replying to a question from Telugu Desam MLA B. Jananageswara Reddy in State Legislative Assembly, she revealed that the state government will formulate a new textile policy soon for development of the weavers’ community.
The minister recalled that the TD-led government had in 2015 allocated 90 acres in Emmiganur, so that a textile park could be established to support handloom weavers. However, the subsequent Jagan Mohan Reddy government significantly undermined the handloom sector. She pointed out that under the pretext of providing housing for the poor, the YSRC government took away 14 acres of the Emmiganur textile park area.
Savitha said to protect the textile park land, they successfully obtained a stay from the court. She reiterated that the TD-led government will establish the textile park in Emmiganur, which will create 5,000 jobs.
The minister underlined that the new textile policy will expand textile industry across the state and help artisans in a major way. She praised fellow minister Nara Lokesh for establishing weaving societies in Mangalagiri, reflecting a commitment to the handloom industry. She mentioned that their government is considering setting up weaving societies across the state. Some members of parliament have already come forward to support the initiative using their MPLAD funds.
Savitha highlighted that with assistance from organisations such as the Aditya Birla Group and funds extended by the central government, weaving societies and clusters will soon be established in various parts of Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, 90 per cent subsidy will be provided to handloom workers to purchase tools.
