Telangana minister K T Rama Rao today appealed to union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani to extend funds for the development of the state's handloom sector.
Telangana Industries and IT Minister K T Rama Rao today wrote to union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani seeking funds for the development of the state's handloom sector.
In his letter, he urged Irani for Rs 300 crore to develop the infrastructure of the Kakatiya Mega Textile Park (KMTP) at Warangal, and Rs 49 crore to develop Sircilla district into a Mega Powerloom Cluster.
"The KMTP is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 1,552 crore. We would urge the Centre to extend aid of Rs 300 crore under the Mega Textile Park scheme in order to begin infrastructural works at the park at the earliest. Telangana has a rich cultural heritage in handlooms, and such developments will help a large number of artisans find secure employment opportunities," he said.
He also requested the union minister to lift the GST on all handloom products for a period of two years, and to sanction the establishment of an Indian Institute of Handloom Technology in Telangana to strengthen development and innovation in the sector.
Rao highlighted the need for urgent funds given the economic devastation caused by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
filed in:Telangana, K T Rama Rao, Smriti Irani, Development, Handloom & Textiles