Hyderabad: Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy launched the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT) at Nampally on Monday, September 9.
The institute aims to provide advanced training and education in handloom techniques, ensuring the preservation of traditional weaving arts while integrating modern technology. Necessary steps will be taken to set up the IIHT campus in the Skill University next year.
Following the inauguration, chief minister Revanth Reddy stressed the significance of the handloom sector in Telangana’s cultural heritage and economy. He highlighted the state’s commitment to support weavers and artisans through education and skill development, ensuring their livelihoods and the growth of the handloom industry.
The newly inaugurated institute is expected to play a pivotal role in empowering the handloom community and fostering innovation in the sector.
Batukamma saree distribution
On the delay in the distribution of Batukamma sarees, the chief minister assured the state government would distribute two sarees to each self help group annually. “We have decided to manufacture 1.30 crore sarees every year. Instructions have already been given to the authorities to come out with good design and quality of sarees,” he said.
There are 63 lakh registered self help groups in the state.
Govt to waive handloom loans
In another major decision, the state government has decided to waive off Rs 30 crore handloom loans. According to CM Revanth, the government’s resolution to release Rs 290 crore pending dues for the weaving community was a big sigh of relief.
Blaming the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government for failing to establish handloom institute in the last 10 years. “The previous government hyped the promotion of handlooms by taking up campaigns with movie stars. However, there was no change in the lives of the weavers,” he said.
