Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, has instructed officials to adopt measures for the welfare and betterment of weavers in the state and directed them to formulate plans for the same as a majority of weavers from the handloom sector have either taken up different professions or ended their lives due to lack of support for the sector.

Most of the handloom weavers are currently working as labourers in the powerloom industry, Rao said at a review meeting held at Pragathi Bhavan recently. The handloom sector is in a crisis and there is a need to create a market for its products. The government can place orders for various handloom products to keep the industry running, he said

Chief minister suggested giving subsidy to yarn and buying the existing stocks from weavers. Specialty brands like Gollabhama sarees from Siddipet need to be encouraged and their past glory should be restored.

Rao said there is no dearth of funds for the weavers’ welfare and support will also be provided to the workers of the powerloom sectors.

The Gollabhama saris also known as Siddipet Gollabhama saris are woven in the Siddipet city of Telangana. They are essentially cotton saris, which are embellished with figure works and motifs. The art of weaving this sari is on the verge of extinction.

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