1. The payments, covering 84 societies across seven divisions
2. APCO released Rs. 2,00,32,615 on Friday 

The Andhra Pradesh government has moved to ease financial pressures on weavers by releasing over Rs. 2 crore in pending dues through the Andhra Pradesh State Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society (APCO). The payments, covering 84 societies across seven divisions, were made on the instructions of Handlooms and Textiles Minister S. Savita, who reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring timely support for weavers.

Minister Savita said the coalition government, under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, has prioritized both the welfare and economic empowerment of weavers since coming to power. “Our aim is to provide financial security and a dignified life for handloom families. Pending dues are being cleared in phases, and the remaining payments will also be released shortly,” she assured.

According to official data, APCO released Rs. 2,00,32,615 on Friday. The distribution of funds included Rs. 7.57 lakh to four societies in Srikakulam division, ₹3.44 lakh to seven societies in Vizianagaram, Rs. 61.07 lakh to 27 societies in Rajahmundry, Rs. 48.29 lakh to 21 societies in Vijayawada, Rs. 36.64 lakh to 17 societies in Tirupati, Rs. 40.30 lakh to five societies in Kadapa, and Rs. 2.98 lakh to seven societies in Kurnool division.

Beyond clearing dues, the government has rolled out several welfare initiatives to strengthen the handloom sector. These include 200 units of free power for 93,000 weaving households, 500 units of free power for 11,488 pit looms, Rs. 4,000 monthly pensions for over 92,000 weavers above the age of 50, and a 15% subsidy on yarn purchases. APCO is also exempting weavers from the 5% GST on handloom sales and is providing training in ready-made garment production to adapt to changing market trends.

Minister Savita said that partnerships with companies such as Tata Taneira, Aditya Birla Group, and Co-optex are helping expand marketing channels for Andhra Pradesh handloom products at both the national and state levels. The government is also leveraging e-commerce platforms to boost sales.

“In just 15 months, this government has created real economic support for weavers while expanding markets for their products. Our commitment is to continue strengthening the handloom sector with both welfare and development initiatives,” Minister Savita emphasized.