Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu Launches ‘Netanna Sevalo’ Scheme on National Handloom Day

Chirala (Andhra Pradesh): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched the ‘Netanna Sevalo’ welfare scheme during the 12th National Handloom Day celebrations held at Kothapeta village in Chirala constituency of Bapatla district on Friday.

Under the scheme, the state government released ₹179 crore as financial assistance to 71,536 eligible handloom families, providing ₹25,000 to each beneficiary.

BC Protection Law to Be Introduced

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister announced that the Coalition Government would soon introduce legislation to ensure the protection of Backward Classes (BCs).

He said the draft legislation has already been prepared and reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare and protection of BC communities.

Support for the Handloom Sector

The Chief Minister said National Handloom Day commemorates the spirit of the Swadeshi Movement and described the handloom sector as an important part of India’s cultural heritage.

He noted that Andhra Pradesh is home to several well-known handloom clusters, including Chirala, Venkatagiri, Dharmavaram, Uppada, Mangalagiri, Ponduru, Pedana, Srikalahasti, and Narasapuram, and said around 1.27 lakh people depend on the handloom sector for their livelihood.

He also highlighted several government initiatives for the sector, including:

• Free electricity of up to 200 units per month for handloom families and 500 units for power loom units, benefiting 62,541 handloom families and 10,032 power loom units.
• NTR Pension Bharosa for handloom workers from the age of 50.
• Monthly pensions of ₹4,000 for 85,000 weavers, involving an annual expenditure of ₹420 crore.
• ₹79 crore in cash credit support to 109 Primary Handloom Cooperative Societies.
• Approval of 10 handloom clusters under the Small Cluster Development Programme at a cost of ₹10 crore.
• Expansion of market access through the Handloom Marketing Assistance Programme.
• Development of special infrastructure in Uppada, a Handloom Park at Mangalagiri, a Handloom and Handicrafts Museum at Shakhamuru in Amaravati, and a textile recycling unit in Visakhapatnam with an investment of ₹4,200 crore.

Welfare Measures for Backward Classes

The Chief Minister said the government has also implemented several welfare initiatives for different BC communities.

According to him, the government has provided ₹505 crore over the past two years to 1.34 lakh fishing families during the fishing ban period at ₹20,000 per family.

He said mining leases have been allotted to Vaddera communities, excise shops have been allocated to toddy tappers, and an additional ₹20,000 subsidy is being provided for 3 KW rooftop solar installations for BC beneficiaries.

He also announced that the state government plans to introduce Universal Health Insurance providing coverage of ₹2.5 lakh for every citizen.

Amaravati Development and Investment

The Chief Minister said the Coalition Government has resumed development works in Amaravati and stated that the Seed Access Road, the capital city’s main arterial road, will be inaugurated on August 13.

He said the government has been working to attract investments and industries to Andhra Pradesh and urged people to remain vigilant against attempts to hinder the state’s development.

Tourism Corridor for Chirala

The Chief Minister announced that the Suryalanka–Bapatla–Chirala coastal belt is being developed as a tourism destination.

He said a tourism corridor from Suryalanka to Chirala is being developed under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme at a cost of ₹97 crore.

Other Events

During the visit, the Chief Minister reviewed the performance of district officials using departmental reports, visited exhibition stalls, unveiled a micro-art portrait created by young artist Mahathi using 40 pencils, released the Bay of Bapatla website and handbook, launched the Bapatla LEAPS youth skill development programme, and witnessed the signing of agreements with four organisations, including Fabindia, to promote the handloom sector.