Bathukamma saree scheme financially empowering weavers of Sircilla: Industries Minister K.T. Rama Rao

Hyderabad, Aug 16 (KNN) The Bathukamma saree scheme by the Telangana government is helping weavers of Sircilla earn atleast Rs 16,000 in monthly wage, thereby contributing to their economic empowerment, said Municipal Administration, IT and Industries Minister K.T. Rama Rao on Monday.

Speaking on the occasion of Independence Day celebration at the Government Junior College grounds in Sircilla, Rao highlighted the state government is placing orders to weave Bathukamma sarees, school uniforms and other fabric worth Rs 2,500 crore on the mutually aided cooperative societies of weavers and the small scale industries, therefore benefiting over 15,000 weavers including powerloom worker.

Works on the apparel park are progressing at a brisk pace on 60 acres at an estimated cost of Rs 174 crore at Peddur near Sircilla and once completed, it will provide employment opportunities to 8,000 women in the garment sector. Gokuldas Apparel Industry has already set up an apparel unit at the Apparel Park, he said.

The Telangana government had recently launched the Chenetha Bheema scheme for handloom and powerloom weavers to provide them with life insurance.

During his address, Rao also urged the central government to completely cancel the GST levied on the handloom industry and also demanded the centre to setup a power loom mega cluster in Sircilla.  (KNN Bureau)