Machilipatnam  (AP):

The state government has decided to set up a handloom in Krishna district headquarters of Machilipatnam, Union Minister for Textiles Kavuri Sambasiva Rao said.

The All India Handloom Technology Institute would be set up with a project cost of Rs 35 crore, Rao said last night, after inaugurating a training programme of Jamdani saree weaving under integrated skill development scheme in Kappaladoddi village of Guduru Mandal in Krishna district.

At present, only four handloom technology institutions are functioning in the country, he said.

Rao said the central government has decided to abolish the outstandings of handloom weavers’ loans, including interest.

“We have sanctioned Rs 45 crore subsidy for Siricilla constituency handloom weavers,” the minister said, adding that the amount under Rajiv Arogya Yojna has also been increased.

Later, Rao inaugurated a handloom exhibition in Pedana town and also laid the foundation stone of a Common Production Centre costing Rs 3 crore.

He also distributed cheques of Rs 6 crore of bank linkage amount to Pedana and Gudur SHGs (Self help groups).

All India Handicrafts Commissioner  S Gupta and Krishna District Collector M Raghunandana Rao were also present on the occasion.

source: http://www.articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com / The Economic Times / Home> News> News By Industry> Cons. Products / Garments – Textiles / by PTI / January 03rd, 2014