Amaravati, Mar 31 (TNT) : The Andhra Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, on Tuesday announced a free electricity scheme for weavers, aimed at easing cost pressures and supporting the handloom sector.
Under the scheme, which comes into effect from April 1, handloom units will receive up to 200 units of electricity per month free of cost, while power loom units will be eligible for up to 500 units.
Officials said the scheme will benefit around 1.04 lakh weaver families, including about 93,000 handloom households and 11,488 power loom units.
The state government is expected to incur an annual expenditure of around ₹150 crore.
The subsidy is aimed at reducing electricity costs, a major component of weaving expenses such as loom operation and dyeing.
Handloom families are estimated to save about ₹8,640 annually, while power loom units could save up to ₹21,600 per year.
The move is part of a broader push by the state government to revive the handloom sector, which has been facing economic challenges.
Measures introduced include an increase in weavers’ pension to ₹4,000, financial support to cooperative societies, and subsidies of up to 90% for modern machinery.
Officials said the government has also taken steps to improve yarn supply, support cluster development, and enable market access through e-commerce platforms.
The scheme fulfils a key electoral commitment of the ruling NDA coalition and is expected to provide relief to traditional artisan communities across the state.
TNT KM
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