Hyderabad, Jan 11 (Reporter) The Telangana government has announced guidelines for the implementation of the Telangana Handloom Abhayahastam Scheme, an initiative designed to ensure the welfare and development of handloom workers. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy first unveiled the scheme on September 9, 2024, during the inauguration of the Konda Lakshman Bapuji Indian Institute of Handloom Technology. The scheme reflects the government’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of handloom and allied workers while preserving the state’s rich weaving heritage. The program has been allocated substantial funds for the fiscal year 2024-25, including Rs 15 crore for the Telangana Weavers Thrift Fund, Rs 15 crore for powerloom dues, Rs 5.25 crore for Telangana Weavers Insurance, and Rs31 crore for wage incentives under the Telangana Weavers Assurance. These resources aim to create a robust safety net for the handloom community and address various aspects of their economic and social well-being. The Telangana Weavers Thrift Fund is a notable component of the scheme, encouraging workers to develop a habit of saving while providing social security. Handloom and allied workers contribute 8 per cent of their monthly wages, capped at Rs 1200, while the government matches this with a contribution of 16 per cent. This initiative benefits 38,000 handloom workers and 15,000 power loom workers, with the tenure for recurring deposits now reduced to two years, making savings more accessible and rewarding for the workers. Another critical aspect is the Telangana Weavers Insurance scheme, which provides an enhanced benefit of Rs 5 lakh to the nominee of any geo-tagged worker who passes away, regardless of the cause. This insurance, which removes the upper age limit for eligibility, now includes workers over 59 years of age, ensuring broader coverage for the handloom community. To promote product development and market accessibility, the scheme also includes wage incentives and the Telangana Handloom Mark Label. Wage incentives offer up to Rs 18,000 annually to handloom workers and Rs 6,000 to allied workers based on production standards from geo-tagged looms. The Telangana Handloom Mark Label is a branding initiative designed to enhance the visibility and market value of Telangana’s handloom products both nationally and internationally. This label highlights the authenticity, quality, and traditional craftsmanship of the state’s textiles, creating a unique identity for its products, according to an official statement on Friday night...////...