Big Relief for AP Weavers: Free Power Scheme Kicks Off Today

In a major welfare measure aimed at strengthening the weaving sector, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has rolled out a free electricity scheme for handloom and powerloom workers across the state, effective April 1 . The initiative, part of its poll promises, is expected to ease financial pressures and provide a fresh boost to families dependent on traditional weaving.

Under the scheme, handloom households will receive up to 200 units of free electricity per month, while powerloom units will be eligible for up to 500 units. The government is set to incur an annual expenditure of around ₹150 crore for its implementation, benefiting nearly one lakh handloom families and 11,488 powerloom units across the state.

Officials estimate that the scheme will help handloom families save about ₹8,640 annually on electricity bills, while powerloom operators could save up to ₹21,600 each year. These savings are expected to offset rising input costs and market volatility, offering much-needed financial stability to the sector.

Since assuming office, the NDA coalition government has taken several steps to uplift weavers, including increasing the monthly pension to ₹4,000 and allocating ₹5 crore to strengthen cooperative societies through a thrift fund. The government is also pushing modernization by offering up to 90% subsidy on the purchase of advanced looms and machinery.

The state government said the initiative goes beyond financial relief, aiming to preserve the traditional handloom industry while ensuring sustainable and dignified livelihoods for weavers.