In a bid to understand the problems of the weavers across the state and work out a solution for the same, the state government held a day-long state-level interaction programme with weaver’s representatives and people’s representatives here on Saturday.
During his opening remarks, chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy said that handloom sector was next to agricultural sector in importance. “During interactions with weavers as part of Indiramma Baata in various districts, a number of problems were brought to my notice. Since it is not possible to find a solution in the brief interaction, I have convened a state-level meeting with key representatives of the sector, including master weavers and society leaders, so as to understand the current plight of the weavers and work out a solution,” he said.
From what he understood, Kiran Reddy said that there was a need for working capital with low interest, a need for increase in production with modernisation and infusion of new technology, without losing the charm and essence of the traditional weaving, ensure minimum wages to weavers so they can have a steady income, better marketing of the products. “Further, it is imperative that the state and central governments extend immediate help for long term,” he said.
The chief minister reiterated that his government was committed to the development and welfare of the weavers. He said that after he took over as the chief minister, he had released a total of Rs 164 crore towards loan waiver against the estimated budget allocation of Rs 312 crore for the purpose. As many as 1,452 societies and 29,300 individual weavers had benefited, he explained.
“I am here to listen to your problems and let’s together work out a solution,” he concluded.
Assuring full cooperation from the Centre, Union minister of state for handlooms and textiles Panabaka Lakshmi said that it was heartening to see Kiran Reddy’s commitment in resolving issues pertaining to weavers.
She suggested that the state consider a housing scheme for the weavers, which they could use as a house-cum-workshop, give necessary subsidies and set-up common facilities centres for the design section. She explained that AP had got a major chunk of central government funds for loan waivers. APCO will be given Rs 90 crore and individual weavers around Rs 12 crore. She also assured full cooperation from her side for the proposed exclusive bank for Weavers on the lines of Stree Nidhi.
Handlooms development commissioner Monica S Garg and textile commissioner AB Joshi explained the role of their respective departments. Minster for handlooms and textiles G Prasad Kumar presided over the meeting.