During a recent visit to a handloom cloth exhibition, the chief minister took the time to speak with weavers and understand their challenges. In his address to the weavers, Naidu expressed gratitude for the longstanding support of artisans towards the party since its inception. He emphasized his commitment to resolving issues faced by handloom workers and assured them of the government’s unwavering support. Naidu highlighted the inadequate support provided by the previous administration, citing the meager financial aid of *24,000 per weaver and the cessation of various beneficial schemes.
In a significant announcement, the chief minister pledged to introduce a dedicated law for the protection of Backward Classes (BCs) in the state, acknowledging the socioeconomic challenges faced by different sub-castes within the BC community. He outlined plans to allocate 1.50 lakh crore towards the welfare of BCs, including initiatives to enhance their livelihoods and ensure equitable representation in local institutions.
Naidu also underscored his commitment to advocating for increased reservations for BCs in legislative bodies, vowing to push for a 33 percent quota in state legislatures. He assured that preferential treatment would be given to BCs in appointed positions, reaffirming his dedication to championing their rights.
Furthermore, the chief minister announced the immediate fulfillment of electoral promises by initiating the implementation of key initiatives on his first day in office. He detailed plans to settle outstanding dues owed to APCO showrooms and provide solar electricity solutions to artisan households under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, all without imposing any financial burden on handloom workers.
In response to concerns raised by handloom workers regarding the impact of GST on their industry, Naidu promised to advocate for the removal of GST on handloom products. Should the central government fail to abolish the tax, he assured steps would be taken to reimburse handloom weavers for the GST paid to the state government, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing their grievances.
Leave a comment