₹4.17 crore sanctioned for Chirala Handloom Cluster, Minister tells A.P. Assembly

The Andhra Pradesh government on Monday outlined a series of welfare and development measures for handloom weavers and unorganised sector workers during the Budget Session of the Assembly.

Replying to questions during the Question Hour, Handlooms and Textiles Minister S. Savitha said ₹4.17 crore has been sanctioned under the National Rural Livelihood Mission for the Chirala Handloom Cluster.

The government is also examining a proposal to provide GST exemption on textiles sold through APCO and handloom cooperative societies, she said and announced that a free power scheme for weavers will be introduced soon.

Under the National Handloom Development Programme, a Mega Handloom Cluster will be set up in Dharmavaram with an outlay of ₹38.31 crore, while special projects worth ₹12 crore in Pithapuram and ₹22.35 crore in Mangalagiri have been proposed.

Ten clusters costing ₹10.44 crore have also been sanctioned under the Small Cluster Development Programme. Exhibitions and handloom bazaars are being organised to boost sales, she said.

e-Shram portal

Meanwhile, Labour Minister Vasamsetti Subhash informed the House that 88.16 lakh unorganised workers have registered on the e-Shram portal, and over 18.24 lakh workers are enrolled with the State Construction Workers Welfare Board.

The government is extending financial assistance, health services, skill training, and scholarships to ensure social security and economic support for workers and their families.