Telangana State Textiles and Agriculture Minister T. Nageshwara Rao has assured handloom workers that the government is taking steps to address their problems and ensure their welfare. During a meeting with union leaders, the Minister responded to their requests, promising to address issues related to power looms and hand looms.
The government has received orders worth Rs 250 crore from various departments, which will be fulfilled through a planned purchase scheme to ensure full-time work for handloom workers. The union leaders requested the purchase of stocks from primary handloom cooperative societies, display of clothes in showrooms, and supplies to government offices.
Other demands included the continuation of Netanna Bima (Weaver’s insurance), a 25 paise interest scheme, subsidy on yarn, worker-to-owner schemes, and clearance of pending transactions. The union also sought implementation of an insurance scheme for handloom workers over 59 years old, waiver of personal loans, elections to primary handloom cooperative societies, opening of TSCO showrooms in Andhra Pradesh, and introduction of new schemes like sarees.
The Minister’s assurance comes as a relief to the handloom workers who have been seeking resolution of their long-pending issues.
