AP Launches ‘Netanna Sevalo’, ₹25,000 Annual Aid for Weavers

In a major welfare push for the state's traditional weaving community, the Andhra Pradesh Government has launched the 'Netanna Sevalo' scheme, providing ₹25,000 in annual financial assistance to every eligible handloom family. Introduced on the occasion of the 12th National Handloom Day, the initiative will benefit 71,536 handloom families, with ₹179 crore being transferred directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

The scheme was formally launched by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu during a state-level event in Chirala, one of Andhra Pradesh's most prominent handloom hubs. The initiative aims to provide immediate financial relief to weavers while reinforcing the government's long-term strategy to preserve the state's rich handloom heritage.

The financial assistance adds to a series of welfare measures already available for the sector. The government currently provides free electricity up to 200 units for handloom households and 500 units for powerloom units, benefiting over 62,500 handloom families and 10,000 powerloom units. Around 85,000 weavers also receive a monthly pension of ₹4,000, while 109 Primary Handloom Cooperative Societies have been extended ₹79 crore in cash credit to strengthen production and marketing activities.

Beyond direct welfare, the government is investing in modernising the textile ecosystem through projects such as the Handloom Park at Mangalagiri, a Handloom and Handicrafts Museum at Shakhamuru, a dedicated infrastructure project at Uppada, and a ₹4,200-crore sustainable textile recycling unit in Visakhapatnam.

Observed every year on August 7, National Handloom Day commemorates the Swadeshi Movement of 1905 and recognises the contribution of India's weaving community. With 'Netanna Sevalo', the state seeks to combine direct income support, social security, and infrastructure development to improve the livelihoods of artisans while ensuring the long-term sustainability of Andhra Pradesh's renowned handloom industry.