Hyderabad, Aug 29 (KNN) In a bid to support the local handloom weavers, the Telangana government is planning to setup a new Research and Development (RD) department for the textile sector.

“The primary aim of the department will be to encourage new designs and provide funds to support the textile sector,” said an official release on Sunday.

In its effort to support the local weavers, the state government is providing 40 per cent subsidy on yarn, dyes, and chemicals purchased by handloom workers, master weavers, handloom associations, and TSCO under the Cheneta Mitra scheme.

As per reports, over 20,501 beneficiaries have been provided subsidy of Rs 24.09 crore till now.

Minister for Handloom and Textiles, IT, and Industries KT Rama Rao called upon the government officials and citizens to wear handloom clothes every Monday to support handloom workers.

Odisha government has also decided to continue the Telangana Handloom Weavers’ Savings Fund, Savings, and Security Scheme (TFSSS) for another three years. A sum of  Rs 30 crore has been released for this.

The state government will also distribute sarees on every Bathukamma festival for free to support weavers. The scheme helped the power loom operators to get employment throughout the year. In 2021 alone, nearly 94 lakh sarees, worth Rs 333.14 crore, were distributed.  (KNN Bureau)