Handlooms & Textiles

The Department of Handlooms and Textiles is responsible for managing both handloom
and power loom sectors in Andhra Pradesh, including promoting cooperative and
decentralized sectors. The department also facilitates the establishment of apparel and
textile parks, ensuring the development and sustainability of the state's handloom industry,
which holds a prominent position in the state's economy.

6.8.1 Welfare Schemes and Progress (up to 31st December 2024)

Several initiatives and schemes have been launched to support the handloom sector in Andhra
Pradesh:

1. New Policy – AP Textiles, Apparel, and Garment Policy 4.0 (2024-29):

 A new policy, implemented in December 2024, aims to enhance the handloom,

textile, and garment industries in the state. The policy provides a comprehensive
framework for growth, sustainability, and modernization of the sector.

2. Sanction of Small Cluster Development Programme (SCDP):

 Five SCDPs have been sanctioned by the Government of India, benefiting 1,041
weavers across various districts. The total project cost is Rs. 544.1 Lakhs, with the
first installment of Rs. 209.379 Lakhs already released.

3. Handloom Marketing Assistance (Exhibitions):

 Exhibitions were organized by Handloom Weavers Cooperative Societies to help

weavers sell stocks accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 These exhibitions generated Rs. 6.22 Crores in sales, benefiting 313 societies.
Notably:
o Guntur recorded the highest footfall with 1,80,000 visitors, generating Rs.
2.46 Crores.
o Vijayawada attracted 1,20,000 visitors, generating Rs. 2.83 Crores.

4. Collaborations:

 Initial meetings were held with TATA Taneria and Aadyam (Aditya Birla Group)
to provide continuous work for identified weavers.

5. Weavers Shala (Under MP LAD Funds):

 Two Weavers' Shalas were established:

o One in Vizianagaram with 500 beneficiaries at a cost of Rs. 1.50 Cr.
o Another in Kurnool with 500 beneficiaries at a cost of Rs. 1.20 Cr.
o These Shalas provide advanced machinery and training in new designs.

6. Cluster and Skill Development:

  Cluster Development Executives and Designers were appointed to facilitate the
growth of new products and designs.
 Skill development training programs were conducted in Guntur and East Godavari
districts to upskill weavers and artisans.

7. Weavers Mudra Scheme:

 1,182 weavers benefited from Rs. 11.78 Crores in financial assistance under the
Weavers Mudra Scheme.

8. Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS):

 90 units benefited from subsidized yarn and blend supply under the RMSS, with a
total of Rs. 10.68 Crores disbursed.

9. Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC):

 The ONDC initiative has helped onboard 532 handloom products to promote digital
commerce and increase the market reach of handloom goods.

10. Geographical Indication (GI):

 10 handloom products were identified for Geographical Indication (GI),

highlighting the region-specific qualities of these traditional products.

6.8.2 Plan of Action for Future Schemes/Programmes

1. National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP):

 Project Proposals:
o Propose projects to benefit 244 weavers with Rs. 2.52 Crores.
o Propose a Mega Handloom Cluster in Dharmavaram, aiming to benefit
12,800 weavers with a Rs. 30.00 Cr GOI share.
o Propose special projects in Angara and Pitapuram, benefiting 1,260 weavers
with Rs. 24.00 Cr GOI share.
o Develop a Handloom & Handicraft Museum in Amaravathi with a Rs.
10.00 Cr GOI share.
 Exhibitions:
o Organize 4 exhibitions during major festivals like Sankranthi and Ugadi, as
well as the Bharat Tex-2025 event.
 Weavers Mudra Scheme:
o Provide Rs. 1.00 Cr financial assistance to 200 beneficiaries under the
Weavers Mudra Scheme.
 Onboarding Products:
o Plan to onboard 500 additional handloom products under the ONDC
platform.
 Unity Mall Construction:
 o Start the construction of the Unity Mall in Visakhapatnam to promote
handloom and textile products.

6.8.3 Focus on Policy Initiatives

1. Weavers Shala:

 Continue providing advanced machinery and training in Vizianagaram and Kurnool,

ensuring upskilling of weavers.

2. Collaborations:

 Finalize Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with TATA Taneria and

Aadyam (Aditya Birla Group) to provide continuous work opportunities for weavers
and help them grow in the modern textile industry.

6.9 State Level Public Enterprises (SLPEs)

The state operates 123 State Level Public Enterprises (SLPEs) across various sectors.
Below is the financial performance for the year 2024-25 for some major SLPEs:

Capital
Profit (in Net Worth Turnover (in
SLPE Name Employed (in
Crores) (in Crores) Crores)
Crores)
AP Forest Development
205.86 775.25 257.74 776.78
Corporation Ltd.
AP State Road Transport
Corporation (APSRTC & 1,524.32 4,777.06 7,210.27 1,023.51
APPTD)
AP Agro Industries
Development Corporation 3.34 32.22 5.50 68.95
Ltd.
AP State Minorities Finance
1.50 9.55 1,588.00 74.81
Corporation Ltd.
AP Eastern Power
Distribution Corporation 140.71 555.54 23,372.27 --
Ltd. (APEDCL)

These SLPEs contribute significantly to the economic growth of the state by playing an
essential role in various sectors such as transport, power distribution, forest development, and
agro-industries.
These initiatives and developments highlight Andhra Pradesh's commitment to enhancing its
handloom, textiles, and state-level enterprises. The focus on skill development, policy
reforms, and market expansion through collaborations and digital platforms underscores the
importance of the handloom sector in the state's economy.