Chandrababu Naidu’s Mangalagiri Visit Boosts AP Handloom Sector on National Handloom Day 2025 - AP HANDLOOM

 

On August 7, 2025, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu visited Mangalagiri in Guntur district to participate in the 11th National Handloom Day celebrations, reaffirming his commitment to reviving the state’s rich handloom heritage. During the event, Naidu announced a series of transformative initiatives aimed at empowering weavers and restoring the glory of Andhra Pradesh’s handloom industry, which is the second-largest rural livelihood sector after agriculture. This blog post explores the highlights of his visit, the announced schemes, and their potential impact on the AP handloom sector.A Warm Welcome in MangalagiriChief Minister Naidu, accompanied by Minister for Education and IT Nara Lokesh, visited the Mangalagiri Handlooms Development Centre, where they interacted with weavers and inspected handloom stalls showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of Mangalagiri sarees and fabrics. Naidu even tried his hand at a loom, symbolizing his personal engagement with the weavers’ community. The event, organized by the Department of Handlooms & Textiles, also featured a Weavershala set up by Titan to modernize weaving techniques while preserving traditional artistry.
Naidu’s visit was marked by a public address where he emphasized the cultural and economic significance of handlooms, urging citizens to wear traditional handloom fabrics at least once a month to promote the sector. He also shared a personal touch, mentioning that he purchased two sarees for his wife during the visit, reinforcing his call to support local artisans.Key Initiatives to Empower AP WeaversDuring the National Handloom Day celebrations, CM Naidu unveiled several welfare schemes to uplift the handloom and powerloom weavers of Andhra Pradesh. These initiatives reflect the state government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by weavers and boosting the sector’s growth. Here are the key announcements:1. Free Electricity for WeaversNaidu announced 200 units of free electricity per month for handloom weavers and 500 units for powerloom weavers, effective immediately. This scheme, costing the state ₹190 crore annually, will benefit approximately 93,000 handloom weaver families and 50,000 powerloom weaver families. The initiative translates to monthly savings of ₹1,233 for handloom weavers and ₹2,717 for powerloom weavers, significantly reducing their operational costs.2. Financial Assistance Under Netanna BharosaUnder the Netanna Bharosa scheme, Naidu introduced an annual financial aid of ₹25,000 per handloom weaver family. This support aims to provide economic stability to the 1,22,644 weaver families dependent on the sector, which has an annual turnover of ₹1,374 crore.3. GST ReimbursementTo make handloom products more competitive, the government will reimburse up to 5% of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on handloom products, costing the state ₹15 crore annually. This move is expected to enhance market access and affordability for consumers.4. Handloom Museum in AmaravatiNaidu announced the establishment of a Handloom Museum in Amaravati to showcase the state’s globally acclaimed handloom products, such as those from Mangalagiri, Dharmavaram, Venkatagiri, Uppada, and Pedana. This initiative aims to preserve and promote Andhra Pradesh’s textile heritage.5. Revival of Thrift Fund and New ClustersThe state government is restoring a ₹5 crore Thrift Fund to support weavers’ welfare, which was neglected during the previous YSRCP regime. Additionally, five new handloom clusters are being established in Mangalagiri, Venkatagiri, Uppada, Srikalahasti, and Rajam under the National Rural Livelihood Mission, with an investment of ₹74 crore. These clusters will enhance production and market reach.6. Health Insurance and Market ExpansionPlans are underway to introduce a health insurance scheme for weaver families, addressing their long-term welfare needs. Naidu also highlighted the use of the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to open new markets for weavers, ensuring greater visibility and sales for their products.Addressing Past NeglectNaidu criticized the previous YSRCP government for its neglect of the handloom sector, noting that procurement from the Andhra Pradesh Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society (APCO) had nearly halted, and subsidies for yarn and dye were discontinued. In contrast, the TDP-led NDA coalition has prioritized weavers’ welfare, increasing pensions to ₹4,000 per month for 92,724 weaver families, costing the state ₹546 crore annually. Naidu also highlighted the TDP’s historical support for weavers, including introducing social security pensions at age 50.Mangalagiri: A Hub of Handloom HeritageMangalagiri, known for its iconic handwoven sarees, was the perfect backdrop for the National Handloom Day celebrations. The town’s handlooms, alongside those from Dharmavaram, Uppada, and Venkatagiri, have earned global acclaim for their intricate designs and quality. Naidu’s visit underscored the government’s focus on promoting Mangalagiri handlooms as a symbol of Amaravati’s cultural pride. The event also honored Pragada Kotaiah, a former MP who spearheaded the handloom movement, with his birth anniversary now declared a state function.Impact on the Handloom SectorWith 2.5 lakh people employed in Andhra Pradesh’s handloom sector, these initiatives are poised to double weavers’ incomes and restore the industry’s prominence. The combination of financial aid, free electricity, GST exemptions, and modern marketing strategies like ONDC integration reflects a holistic approach to reviving the sector. The establishment of new clusters and the Handloom Museum will further cement Andhra Pradesh’s position as a leader in India’s handloom industry.ConclusionChief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s visit to Mangalagiri on National Handloom Day 2025 marked a significant step toward empowering Andhra Pradesh’s weavers. His announcements, from free electricity to financial aid and market expansion, demonstrate a clear vision for reviving the state’s handloom legacy. By promoting AP handlooms and addressing the community’s challenges, Naidu is not only preserving cultural heritage but also ensuring economic prosperity for thousands of weaver families. As the state moves forward, the handloom sector is set to shine brighter than ever.



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)1. What did Chandrababu Naidu announce during his Mangalagiri visit on National Handloom Day 2025?CM Naidu announced 200 units of free electricity for handlooms, 500 units for powerlooms, ₹25,000 annual aid per handloom family under the Netanna Bharosa scheme, 5% GST reimbursement, a Handloom Museum in Amaravati, a ₹5 crore Thrift Fund, and five new handloom clusters.2. Why is Mangalagiri significant for Andhra Pradesh’s handloom sector?Mangalagiri is renowned for its handwoven sarees and fabrics, known for their unique designs and quality. It is a key hub for Andhra Pradesh’s handloom industry, which supports thousands of weavers.3. How will the free electricity scheme benefit AP weavers?The scheme provides 200 units of free electricity for handloom weavers (₹1,233 monthly savings) and 500 units for powerloom weavers (₹2,717 monthly savings), benefiting 93,000 handloom and 50,000 powerloom families.4. What is the Netanna Bharosa scheme?The Netanna Bharosa scheme offers ₹25,000 annual financial assistance to handloom weaver families to support their economic stability and improve their livelihoods.5. How does the Handloom Museum in Amaravati help weavers?The Handloom Museum will showcase Andhra Pradesh’s handloom products, such as those from Mangalagiri and Dharmavaram, to promote the state’s textile heritage and attract global attention, boosting market demand.6. What steps are being taken to expand market access for AP weavers?The government is integrating weavers with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to access new markets and promoting products through APCO and the One District One Product scheme.7. How many people depend on the handloom sector in Andhra Pradesh?The handloom sector employs approximately 2.5 lakh people across 1,22,644 families, with an annual turnover of ₹1,374 crore, making it the second-largest rural livelihood sector after agriculture.8. What is the significance of National Handloom Day?Celebrated on August 7, National Handloom Day commemorates the Swadeshi Movement (launched in 1905) and honors weavers by promoting the handloom industry’s cultural and economic contributions.

• Keywords : Chandrababu Naidu, AP handlooms, Mangalagiri, National Handloom Day 2025, Netanna Bharosa, Handloom Museum, free electricity for weavers, Andhra Pradesh weavers, Mangalagiri sarees