Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Handlooms and Textiles Minister S Savitha on Monday said the state government's 'Nethanna Sevalo' scheme would provide annual financial assistance of ₹25,000 to all eligible handloom weavers from August 7.
Reviewing preparations with Assistant Directors of the Handlooms and Textiles Department from all districts, the Minister said the scheme would be launched on National Handloom Day and appealed to all eligible weavers to submit their applications by 5 pm on August 5.
"The Netanna Sevalo scheme will provide annual financial assistance of ₹25,000 to all eligible handloom weavers from August 7," Savitha said in an official press release.
She said the NDA coalition government was implementing the scheme despite the initiative not being part of its original election promises.
The minister said the state government had undertaken several initiatives for the development of the handloom sector while implementing welfare measures to improve the financial well-being of weavers.
According to her, NTR Bharosa pensions were being provided to weavers aged above 50 years.
The government was also implementing a free electricity scheme under which handloom weavers using traditional looms receive up to 200 units of free power, while powerloom weavers receive up to 500 units, while Mudra loans were also being extended to weavers.
She urged all eligible weavers to submit their applications before the deadline.
The minister instructed officials to implement the scheme transparently so that there was no scope for criticism or allegations.
Savitha said National Handloom Day celebrations would be held at Chirala in Bapatla district on August 7, with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu attending as the chief guest and launching the Netanna Sevalo scheme.
She also directed officials to organise National Handloom Day celebrations in all district headquarters, conduct rallies and display placards promoting the use of handloom products.
