Lighting Up Livelihoods: AP Announces Free Electricity for Over 1 Lakh Weavers

The Andhra Pradesh government has translated its election promise into a concrete welfare measure, launching a major initiative to support handloom and powerloom weavers a sector that has long struggled with rising input costs and shrinking margins. Recognizing that electricity expenses form a significant share of production costs, the state has introduced a free electricity scheme to provide both immediate relief and long-term stability.

Under the scheme, nearly 1.03 lakh weaver families across the state are set to benefit, including about 93,000 handloom workers and over 11,000 powerloom operators . Each handloom unit will receive 200 units of free electricity per month , while powerlooms will be entitled to 500 units , with the scheme coming into force from April 1 .

This intervention is expected to significantly reduce operational costs, resulting in annual savings of ₹8,000 to ₹21,000 per family . For households that depend entirely on weaving, this relief directly enhances income security and improves their standard of living .

Despite an estimated annual cost of ₹150 crore , the government has positioned the initiative not merely as a subsidy but as a recognition of dignity of labour and a firm commitment to sustaining traditional livelihoods. Officials emphasized that the real priority lies in ensuring the well-being and stability of weaver communities .

The scheme is part of a broader effort to revive the handloom sector , which faces stiff competition from mechanized production and fluctuating raw material prices. Alongside free power, the government is promoting modernization support, better yarn supply systems, and financial assistance , aiming to improve productivity and sustainability.

Efforts are also underway to expand market access by building a strong brand identity for handloom products and promoting them in national and global markets , helping artisans secure better returns for their craftsmanship.

Beyond economic support, the initiative carries a deeper cultural significance. It reinforces the idea that weavers are not just producing cloth, but preserving a rich cultural heritage passed down through generations.

Reaffirming its commitment, the government stated that it will continue to stand by weaver families , ensuring their welfare and strengthening a sector that remains vital to both the rural economy and the cultural fabric of the state.