AP to launch ‘Nethanna Sevalo’ scheme on Aug 7

Amaravati: Minister for Handlooms and Textiles S Savitha has announced that the State government will launch ‘Nethanna Sevalo’ welfare scheme on August 7, coinciding with National Handloom Day, to provide annual financial assistance of Rs 25,000 to eligible handloom weavers.

Chairing a review meeting with Assistant Directors of Handlooms and Textiles Department from all districts at the State Secretariat, the Minister said the scheme reflects Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s commitment to ensuring a dignified and financially secure livelihood for the weaving community.

Savitha urged all eligible weavers to submit their applications before 5 pm on August 5, stressing that the government intends to extend the benefit to every eligible handloom worker in the State. She directed officials to create widespread awareness through the media and field-level campaigns to ensure maximum enrolment.

The Minister said the coalition government has introduced several welfare measures to strengthen handloom sector. Besides implementing development initiatives, it is providing NTR Bharosa pensions to weavers aged above 50 years, free electricity of up to 200 units for handloom weavers and 500 units for powerloom weavers, along with access to Thrift Fund benefits and Mudra loans.

Highlighting the significance of the new initiative, Savitha said ‘Nethanna Sevalo’ scheme was not part of the government’s election promises but has been introduced to provide direct financial support to weaving families.

“The Chief Minister’s vision is to ensure that every weaver lives with dignity and economic security,” she said.

She instructed department officials to implement the scheme transparently, leaving no room for criticism or allegations, and to ensure that every eligible beneficiary receives assistance without delay.

Handlooms and Textiles Department Principal Secretary RP Sisodiya directed district officials to submit the final list of beneficiaries by the morning of August 6 to facilitate the smooth rollout of the scheme.

Minister Savitha also announced that the National Handloom Day celebrations will be held in Chirala on August 7, with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu attending as the chief guest.

He will formally launch ‘Nethanna Sevalo’ scheme during the event. Similar celebrations will be organised across all district headquarters, including rallies and awareness campaigns promoting the use of handloom products.

Handlooms and Textiles Commissioner Rekha Rani, APCO officials, and Assistant Directors from all districts attended the review meeting.