Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao today said his government would come out with a comprehensive policy to enable the handloom and powerloom weavers and workers to lead comfortable and happy lives.
KCR said the government would take all measures for the welfare of the workers and development of the handlooms in the state and adequate funds would be allocated in the upcoming budget.
The Chief Minister wanted that the weavers and workers should come out of the desperate situation in which some of them were committing suicides and becoming victims to "starvation" deaths, according to an official release.
"They are entitled for a happy life. Handloom workers in Siricilla and Pochampally should come out of stigma that they commit suicides and instead the handloom workers in Telangana should be known for leading a life with confidence," Rao said.
He said it was unfortunate that the handloom industry in Telangana, which was once very famous and popular, has been pushed into such dire straits.
"There should be a tangible change in the situation. The silk and Ikkat sarees produced in Narayanpet, Gadwal and Pochampally had a very good name," KCR said after holding a review meeting on handloom workers welfare and Handloom development at Pragathi Bhavan here.
Ministers KT Rama Rao, T Nageswara Rao, Government's Chief Advisor Rajiv Sharma, Chief Secretary SP Singh, and other senior officials besides about 40 representatives from powerloom industry from Siricilla participated in the meeting.
The Chief Minister said the government's aim is to ensure an income of Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 for the handloom workers per month.
Rao also assured them that the government during the festival seasons and for other occasions when the cloth is procured, it would be done from the handloom and powerloom sector.
The Chief Minister announced that the government would plan a three-pronged strategy for the Padmashali community members who are dependent on the weaving.
A majority of powerlooms are in Siricilla and they will be upgraded and the government would arrange for funds for the development of the powerloom sector, he added.
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