Free power scheme for weavers rolled out across Andhra Pradesh from Wednesday

Delivering on a key poll promise, the Andhra Pradesh government led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced the rollout of a free electricity scheme for the handloom sector across the State from Wednesday.

The initiative aims to ease the financial burden on weavers and ensure economic stability for thousands of artisan families, Minister for Handlooms & Textiles S. Savitha said. Under the scheme, up to 200 units of electricity per month will be provided free of cost to handlooms, while powerlooms will receive up to 500 units monthly.

The government estimates an annual expenditure of around ₹150 crore for the programme, which is expected to benefit 1,04,488 weaver families, including about 93,000 handloom households and 11,488 powerloom units. Officials said the subsidy would translate into annual savings of ₹8,640 for handloom workers and ₹21,600 for powerloom operators.

Highlighting the importance of electricity in weaving, dyeing, and loom operations, the government said the scheme would act as a crucial support system for the struggling sector.

In addition to free power, the government has enhanced pensions for weavers, extended financial assistance to cooperative societies, and introduced subsidies for modern machinery and raw materials. Efforts are also underway to boost marketing through e-commerce platforms, reinforcing support to the traditional weaving community.