» AP Weavers Demand Government Supply Of Raw Materials
High Raw Material Prices Irk Weavers
The sudden spurt in raw material prices has placed the business in peril, and about 10 lakh workers are likely to lose employment due to the hike, they say.
Demanding the implementation of the Handloom Reservation Act 1985, weavers, under the aegis of the Weavers Protection Committee, staged a dharna at Indira Park on Friday.
Raising slogans against what they said was the state government's indifferent attitude, the weavers demanded the implementation of the Act for the protection and development of handloom weavers in the country.
They demanded that the state government waive all kinds of loans and the interest on loans sanctioned for weavers.
The weavers also urged the government to make efforts for supplying raw materials — silk, mulberry, dyes, colours and other chemicals - since their prices are increasing by the year.
A kilo of raw Kora silk, which, in January 2010, cost Rs. 1,750, now costs Rs. 3,300, said the committee members.
The sudden spurt in raw material prices has placed the business in peril, and about 10 lakh workers are likely to lose employment due to the hike, they said.
Unable to continue in the business many weavers have been forced to commit suicides, they stated.
They also appealed to the state government to announce a special financial package for weavers, considering their financial condition.
They threatened to intensify their agitation if the government did not fulfill the demands of weavers.