New Delhi, Sept 28 (KNN) The Central government is committed to strengthen the handloom sector of the country as it has a rich tradition, said Smriti Irani, Union Minister for Textiles.

Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the ‘Maggam Vastra Show’ which was held to promote handlooms of Telangana, Irani said that Khadi had occupied a very important place during freedom struggle.

She said that the Centre announced Rs 6,000 crore package to the apparel segment to help in capacity building of the sector.

Further, she added that the centre has also announced Rs 1,300 crore package for skill up-gradation in the textiles sector.

The handlooms of Telangana like Pochampally, Gadwal and Narayanpet are famous worldwide and they offer many possibilities in employment generation, said Irani.

To improve the lot of underprivileged weavers, Irani said the government was facilitating the education of their children through National Open School and reimbursing 75 per cent of their education fees.