Hyderabad, Sep 9 (Reporter) Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy virtually inaugurated the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT) for the 2024-25 academic session at Lalita Kalathoranam on Monday. During the event, the Chief Minister expressed his satisfaction with the establishment of IIHT in Telangana, noting that previously, students had to travel to Andhra Pradesh and Odisha to pursue handloom courses. He emphasized that no efforts had been made in the past decade to establish such an institute in Telangana. Reddy revealed that after discussions with Union Minister Piyush Goyal, permission was granted to set up the IIHT. To ensure no time is wasted, classes will commence this year at Telugu University, with plans to relocate the institute to Skill University next year. The Chief Minister also announced a monthly stipend of Rs 2,500 for each student. He further highlighted the government's commitment to supporting weavers, with the release of Rs 290 crore in pending dues. The government also plans to distribute two sarees annually to each of the 63 lakh members of self-help groups in the state, with an annual order of 30 lakh sarees placed with local weavers. Additionally, Reddy assured that Rs 30 crore in handloom loans would be waived, making weavers debt-free. The Chief Minister announced that IIHT will be named after Konda Laxman Bapuji, a leader recognized for his sacrifices for the Telangana movement, and instructed officials to take the necessary steps to implement this. Textile and Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao also spoke at the event, emphasizing the government's priority for both farmers and weavers. He pointed out that technological challenges are a major issue for the handloom sector and that steps will be taken to promote the export of handloom products. He noted the swift establishment of IIHT within just 10 days and confirmed that IIHT will soon be shifted to Skill University. Rao praised the Chief Minister's efforts, particularly Revanth Reddy's dedication to serving all communities at a young age...////...