Free Power, ₹25,000 Aid Announced for Andhra Pradesh Weavers by CM

Quick Summary

• Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced several initiatives to support handloom weavers in Andhra Pradesh.

– Free Power Scheme: up to 200 units of free power for handlooms and 500 units for powerlooms, costing ₹190 crore annually.
– ‘Netanna Bharosa’ Scheme: ₹25,000 annual financial assistance per handloom weaver family.
– Reimbursement of up to 5% GST on handloom products.

• A Handloom Museum will be set up in amaravati to showcase Andhra Pradesh’s globally acclaimed handloom products.
• Government aims to double the incomes of weavers thru various schemes benefiting a total of approximately 1,43,000 families, including social security pensions now set at ₹4,000 per month (a yearly expenditure of ₹546 crore).
• TDP claims past YSRCP governance negatively impacted the sector by halting subsidies and procurement by APCO but emphasizes its own pro-weaver agenda like restoring a thrift fund of ₹5 crore and increasing market access via schemes such as “one District One Product.”
• Five new handloom clusters are being established under the National Rural Livelihood Mission at Mangalagiri, Venkatagiri, Uppada, Srikalahasti, and Rajam with a combined cost of ₹74 crore.
• Handlooms provide livelihood to approximately 1.22 lakh families, making it the second largest sector after agriculture in Andhra Pradesh.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The announcement reflects notable government attention toward bolstering the struggling handloom sector in Andhra Pradesh. By addressing historical grievances such as stalled subsidies and procurement issues during prior administrations (YSRCP), CM Naidu appears focused on revitalizing trust among weaving communities while explicitly showcasing pro-welfare credentials through pragmatic measures like free electricity and direct financial aid.

The establishment of infrastructure such as new clusters under NRLM and a dedicated Handloom Museum aligns with long-term goals aimed at increased market access. Financial commitments-including large-scale GST reimbursement-signal seriousness from policymakers towards competitiveness within both domestic markets & exports.

Though neutral observers may note broader implications beyond economic welfare-the announcements could also shape socio-cultural rejuvenation around traditional crafts closely interlinked within Indian heritage itself- Prioritizations Following state reliance dynamic cycles!

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