Telangana chief minister, K Chandrasekhar Rao has said the government will come out with a comprehensive policy to help handloom and powerloom weavers and workers lead a comfortable life in the state.

Admitting that there were instances of weavers committing suicide and starvation deaths due to lack of adequate income from the profession, Mr. Rao recalled how he had broken down twice over the plight of weavers during the Telangana movement. He said adequate funds would be allocated to help the community particularly handloom workers in Siricilla and Pochampally. A policy will be framed for promoting Narayanpet, Gadwal and Pochampally sarees as they enjoy international reputation and demand.

Powerlooms will be upgraded on par with the Rapier looms to improve quality and production. The government will ensure each worker earns Rs.15,000 monthly and will put in place a thrift scheme to encourage savings. Uniforms for schoolchildren, blankets and cloth needed for government hostels will be procured from the weavers in the state.

This step will ensure adequate work for the handloom and powerloom sectors in the state. Subsidies will be given on yarn and chemicals. He advised that each powerloom should produce a different type of cloth, design, size and texture. “The silk and Ikkat sarees produced in Narayanpet, Gadwal and Pochampally have a good reputation. In the past people used to go to Kanchi for wedding sarees and if they are going to Pochampally now it should be a matter of pride for us. There is a need to encourage such art,” the chief minister said, adding that an apparel park will be set up in Siricilla.

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