The National Handloom Day on August seven was celebrated in Vijayawada in a colourful manner with weavers exhibiting their best work, attracting scores of people to appreciate the workmanship. On this occasion, Andhra Pradesh minister for textiles and handlooms, Kollu Ravindra said that the state government plans to announce a Rs 125-crore loan waiver scheme which would benefit about 2.80 lakh weavers from the state.
Apart from this, the state is also considering a plan to provide interest free loans to weavers to promote the traditional handloom sector. Re-introduction of the Janata cloth scheme for the poor at an expenditure of Rs 550 crore to supply a dhoti and a saree to all poor people is also under consideration of the state.
Sampangi Pattu Cheera’, designed and woven by young weaver and fashion designer P Mohan of Dharmavaram in Anantapur district was displayed at the handloom exhibition organised in the city to mark the Day.
State’s Secretary (Handloom and Textiles) SS Rawat on the occasion said Mangalagiri, Venkatagiri, Uppada, Dharmavaram handlooms have found a place in ‘India Handloom Brand’, which will enhance their demands at national and international levels. The centre has decided to set up mega clusters with an investment of Rs 26 crore in Guntur and Prakasam.
