Sircilla, a prominent textile hub, has received a significant boost with a massive order for 4.24 crore meters of cloth destined for the Indira Mahila Sakti sari project. This initiative, spearheaded by the Congress-led government, aims to provide free saris to women in self-help groups (SHGs) and, crucially, sustain employment for the region’s weavers.
The order, officially handed over by TESCO General Manager Ashok Rao to Sircilla Textiles Department Assistant Director Sagar, marks a renewed commitment to supporting the local textile industry. This follows previous government orders, including those for school uniforms, demonstrating a consistent effort to bolster the livelihoods of Sircilla’s weaving community.
The ambitious project is structured in phases. The initial phase, focused on weaving the vast quantity of cloth, has a tight deadline of April 30th. Following weaving, the fabric will be transported to Hyderabad in early May for printing, dyeing, and finishing. Officials anticipate the completed saris will be ready for distribution by June or July, after approximately two months of processing.
A key development supporting this initiative is the establishment of a new yarn bank in Vemulawada. Created in October with a Rs 50 crore investment, this facility ensures a consistent supply of yarn for the weavers, eliminating the need to rely on external traders, a practice prevalent under the previous administration. This direct provision of raw materials streamlines the production process and further empowers local weavers.
Sircilla’s textile industry is a cornerstone of the local economy, supporting over 21,000 power looms and employing approximately 6,000 workers directly, with an additional 3,000 in ancillary roles. The sector also sustains over 1,600 master weavers. The government’s consistent flow of orders has been instrumental in providing year-round employment, with Sircilla weavers producing an estimated 95% of the saris distributed to SHG women.
Beyond new orders, the government is actively addressing past financial obligations. A recent disbursement of Rs 222 crore cleared outstanding dues for Bathukamma saris, alongside Rs 500 crore allocated for various other textile projects, including Ramzan textiles, school uniforms, and the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.
Ashok Rao confirmed the order for 4.24 crore meters of cloth, translating to 65 lakh saris for SHG women. This substantial order is projected to provide Sircilla weavers with work for the next eight months, a significant period of stability for the industry.
Adepu Bhaskar, President of the Sircilla Polyester Association, expressed gratitude to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, highlighting the previous crisis faced by the textile sector. He praised the government’s intervention for stabilizing the industry, securing employment for weavers, and contributing to a reduction in worker suicides – a deeply concerning trend that underscores the importance of this support. This new order signals a positive trajectory for Sircilla’s textile industry, reinforcing its vital role in the regional economy.