Andhra Pradesh Launches Free Power Scheme for Weavers, Fulfilling Key Poll Promise

Amaravati, April 2026 : Delivering on a major election commitment, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led coalition government in Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday rolled out a free electricity scheme aimed at supporting the state’s weaving community. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said the initiative is designed to ease financial burdens and provide long-term stability to thousands of handloom and power loom workers.

Under the scheme, eligible handloom weavers will receive up to 200 units of electricity per month free of cost, while power loom operators will get 500 units free every month. The government estimates that around 93,000 handloom families and 11,488 power loom families will benefit from this move.

Officials stated that the scheme will translate into significant savings for beneficiaries. Handloom families are expected to save approximately Rs 8,640 annually, while power loom units could save up to Rs 21,600 per year. The state government will bear an annual financial burden of nearly Rs 150 crore to implement the programme.

Speaking at a public gathering in Nellore district, the Chief Minister emphasised that the government is committed to reviving the traditional weaving sector, which has been under financial strain in recent years. He highlighted that electricity is a crucial input in weaving, dyeing, and loom operations, and reducing this cost would directly improve the livelihoods of artisans.

In addition to the free power scheme, Naidu announced a series of welfare measures for weavers. A Thrift Fund with an allocation of Rs 5 crore has been set up to support handloom workers, and pensions are now being provided to them starting at the age of 55. He also revealed plans to establish five handloom clusters under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission to boost production and employment.

During the event, the Chief Minister distributed certificates to beneficiaries, marking the formal rollout of the scheme. The government reiterated that it is taking a multi-pronged approach to strengthen the textile sector by combining financial assistance with infrastructure development.

The administration has also introduced a 90 per cent subsidy on modern machinery and a 15 per cent subsidy on raw materials to enhance productivity and competitiveness. Additionally, Rs 10.44 crore has been allocated for the development of small handloom clusters across the state.

Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar noted that the promise of free electricity was originally made by Nara Lokesh during his ‘Yuva Galam’ yatra after witnessing the hardships faced by weavers firsthand.

The government asserted that it has maintained stable electricity tariffs for the past 22 months while continuing to extend subsidies to key sectors, including agriculture, aquaculture, and small businesses. Officials said the free power scheme marks a significant step towards restoring confidence among weavers and revitalising the traditional textile industry in Andhra Pradesh.