Interacting with the weavers on this occasion, Minister KTR stated that the Telangana government has been celebrating National Handloom Day for the last three years in a grand way. Due to COVID this year the celebrations took place virtually.

Minister KTR said that about forty thousand families are making a livelihood in this profession. “No other state government in this country has introduced welfare schemes exclusively for the weavers’ community,” he said.

Minister also mentioned that the officials from Orissa visited Telangana, studied the policies introduced by the State Government for the weavers, and expressed happiness.

Talking about the welfare schemes for the weavers, Minister KTR said that the Government provided much-needed relief to weavers by releasing Rs 93 crore to weavers accrued under ‘Nethanna Ku Cheyutha’ (Thrift) scheme well before the mandatory lock-in period of three years.

Considering the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the Government had sanctioned the amount to the weavers immediately without waiting for three years.

Minister stated that about 20, 554 weavers have been enrolled under the Chenetha Mitra scheme. A total of Rs 792.89 lakhs has been released into the accounts of 30, 984 weavers, and ancillary workers.

Minister KTR mentioned about eight-block level clusters were set up at Pochampally, Aleru, Kanukula, Shayampet, Kamalapur, Armoor, Veltur, and Vemulawada with Rs. 10.20 lakh. Minister also stated that the Government will soon set up more clusters across the state.

Minister stated that the Government allocated Rs 15 Crore for the revival of Pochampally Handloom Park. He also said that foundation stone has been laid for Gadwal Handloom Park and works will begin soon.

While the Narayanpet weavers asked for weavers servicing center, the Minister responded positively.

Talking about the Handloom Monday tradition, Minister KTR stated that the public representatives and government officials have been wearing handloom clothes on every Monday to increase production for the weavers.

Minister KTR also presented the Konda Laxman Bapuji Awards- 2020 to the weavers on this occasion. While the Minister himself presented the awards to two weavers in Hyderabad, the remaining awards were presented to the weavers by the Collectors of their respective districts.

Three MoUs were exchanged during today’s program:

The Department of Handlooms & Textiles and Indian School of Business exchanged an MoU in the presence of Minister KTR at the National Handloom Day Virtual Celebrations. The MoU aims to evaluate the implementation and performance of the state-run policies for the weaving community in Telangana.

In the presence of Minister KTR, the Department of Handlooms and Textiles and Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) virtually exchanged an MoU at the National Handloom Day Virtual Celebrations. The MoU enables both the institutions to conduct applied research on the development of sustainable textile yarn dyeing. This can reduce the hazardous impact of dyeing on weavers and the environment.

The Department of Handlooms and Textiles and United Nations Development Programme, India virtually exchanged an MoU in the presence of Minister KTR and UNDP India Deputy Resident Representative Ms. Nadia Rashd at the National Handloom Day Virtual Celebrations.

The agreement strengthens the partnership between the signatories who intend to support the weavers in the restoration of livelihoods. They will facilitate promotions of improved livelihood opportunities through skill up-gradation and market linkages.

Principal Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, and Handlooms & Textiles Director Shailaja Ramaiyer were present in the meeting.