The Andhra Pradesh government has launched a free electricity scheme for handloom and power loom weavers to reduce operating costs and support the weaving sector. The scheme came into effect from and is designed to ease financial pressure on families dependent on weaving for their livelihood.
Scheme Coverage
- Eligible handloom weavers will receive up to 200 units of electricity per month free of cost.
- Power loom operators will receive 500 units per month at no charge.
- The policy is intended to support both household-based and production-based weaving units.
Expected Beneficiaries
- About 93,000 handloom families are expected to benefit.
- Nearly 11,488 power loom families will also come under the scheme.
- The initiative targets a sector facing rising input costs and weak earnings.
Financial Relief and Fiscal Outlay
- Handloom households are estimated to save around 8,640 rupees annually.
- Power loom units may save up to 21,600 rupees every year.
- The state government has set aside about 150 crore rupees annually for implementation.
Significance for Textile Sector
- The scheme aims to improve the viability of traditional handloom work.
- It may help sustain employment in rural and semi-urban weaving clusters.
- The measure also reflects state support for micro and small textile producers.