KTR urges govt. to waive electricity dues, surcharges for Sircilla weavers

Bharat Rastra Samithi (BRS) working president and Sircilla MLA K.T. Rama Rao on Wednesday urged the State government to urgently lift the electricity burden on powerloom sector in Sircilla, citing mounting financial distress among weavers.

He along with MLC L. Ramana met Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka as well as Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageshwar Rao and submitted a detailed representation seeking full waiver of ₹38 crore in accumulated back-billing and surcharges imposed on 127 small-scale units between 2016 and 2024.

Mr. Rao said the sudden back-billing had destabilised the textile hub, leading to closure of several powerloom units and pushing workers into severe hardship. He recalled that 13 weavers have died by suicide in recent months, highlighting the urgency for humanitarian relief.

As part of his appeal, Mr. Rao asked the State government to restore uninterrupted electricity subsidy to the sector, irrespective of old dues, noting that earlier power support up to 25 HP had been crucial in keeping units operational. He also pressed for immediate financial assistance to prevent further distress among thousands of families dependent on the Sirisilla textile economy.

Calling Sircilla, the heart of Telangana’s textile industry, Mr. Rao urged the government to act swiftly to avert a deeper crisis. He said the Deputy Chief Minister responded positively to the representation and expressed hope for an early resolution.