Hyderabad: Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao inaugurated the upgraded laboratory of the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT) at Nampally, stating that Telangana would shape the institute into a centre capable of competing globally. Moreover, he said the facility marked a turning point in modernising the state’s handloom training network.
The minister recalled that the earlier IIHT operated from Venkatagiri during the undivided state. After Telangana’s formation, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy persuaded the Union Government to allot the institute to Telangana to strengthen the local handloom sector. As a result, the IIHT became a specialised hub for technology and training in the new state. He added that the institute carried the name of Konda Laxman Bapuji to honour his lifelong service to handloom welfare. He instructed officials to build the IIHT into one of the country’s leading institutions.
Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao highlights new support for weavers
The minister said the handloom sector entered a strong phase under the Chief Minister’s leadership. Furthermore, he stated that the government released ₹1,000 crore within eighteen months to support weavers. He criticised the previous administration for launching schemes hastily and abandoning them, which created uncertainty for handloom workers.
He explained that the Indira Mahila Shakti saree order ensured steady work for weavers by providing continuous production demand. In addition, he said the Vemulawada yarn depot, established with ₹50 crore, supplied 2,368 metric tonnes of yarn to societies. He added that the government implemented Nethanna Podupu and Nethanna Bharosa under a combined ₹168 crore plan. Under Nethanna Podupu alone, ₹304 crore had been released, while savings support for weavers reached ₹68 crore.
Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao outlines wider welfare measures
The minister said the government cleared ₹40 crore in yarn subsidy arrears. Moreover, it released ₹33 crore towards the personal loan waiver for weavers. He noted that 65 lakh Indira Mahila Shakti sarees were being distributed in rural areas, while 35 lakh sarees would be given in urban regions as part of the “Puttinti Kanuka” initiative launched by the Chief Minister.
He emphasised that the handloom sector represented India’s cultural heritage and stood as a symbol of traditional craftsmanship. Additionally, he said the government focused on improving the lives of farmers and weavers through sustained, transparent schemes. Principal Secretary Shailaja Ramaiyer and senior officials attended the programme.